A new report by the American Gaming Association (AGA) has revealed that the gaming sector is “significantly” more diverse than the US workforce as a whole.
According to the trade association, 61% of employees in the gaming sector are racial minorities compared to 52% of the broader hospitality industry and 42% of the total US workforce.
This comprises the 23% of those working in hospitality coming from Hispanic backgrounds, and the 19% who are black, both of which is above the total US workforce in general, and in line with the hospitality industry in specific. The 14% of employees who are of Asian descent means that the group is over-represented in the sector at around twice the national average.
“Consumers, policymakers and investors are raising their expectations for all businesses on how they contribute to society beyond the bottom line,” said AGA president and CEO Bill Miller. “Encompassing data from across commercial, tribal and manufacturing gaming verticals, the survey both highlights our industry’s leadership on diversity while presenting areas for continued progress.”
Improved situation
Among operators, this racial diversity is a departure from the situation a decade ago. In 2011, the percentage of operators from non-white backgrounds stood at close to 20%, as opposed to the 60% reported today. Black employees have also increased their proportion of the operator workforce, now making up 19% of the total, rising from 12% in 2011.
Gaming manufacturers also have a more diverse workforce than the broader electronic manufacturing sector as a whole; 45% of employees in gaming manufacturing are minorities, while 38% are in the sector as a whole.
