AGA CEO Retires after 18 Years

As a result of an agreement reached over a year ago, the American Gaming Association announced the impending departure of Frank Fahrenkopf, the organization’s CEO since its inception in 1995.

The 73-year-old executive will leave his position at the end of June, staying on board as an adviser until the end of the year in order to facilitate a smooth transition. Joining AGA after a lengthy political and legal career, Fahrenkopf led it through a period of steady growth as well as continuous lobbying when it came to American gambling laws.

Among other things, the association was instrumental in preventing the imposition of federal taxes on gaming. Recently AGA also threw its support behind the yet unsuccessful Reid-Kyl proposal, potentially allowing gamblers to play online poker in United States, while establishing federal regulations of online gambling in general.

In a statement issued on Monday Fahrenkopf reminisced of the time spent at the helm of the Association. “I have enjoyed my time at the helm of this incredible organization and am proud to have represented an industry that provides tens of millions of men and women with the best entertainment value in the world,” said the outgoing CEO. “It has been a true honor to work with so many passionate and innovative leaders as we have moved the industry forward during the past 17 and 1/2 years.”

AGA chairman and head of Bally Technologies, Richard Haddrill openly praised Fahrenkopf’s legacy. “The fact that today our industry is recognized as a vital part of the global economy is in no small part due to his tireless efforts and leadership,” stated Haddrill.

As an association representing mainly the interests of land operators, AGA’s support of the Reid-Kyl initiative was controversial for the rest of the gambling industry, as the proposal threatened to limit or outlaw many forms of online gambling, including lottery games and internet betting in the United States.