By Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, American Gaming Association
After several months of careful review, the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Board of Directors today issued a set of recommendations that mark a major shift in our industry’s approach to sports betting in the U.S., which is currently illegal in all but four states.
AGA will build a broad coalition that will determine whether a rational alternative to current sports betting law exists. Such an alternative could include:
Strict regulation;
Rigorous consumer protections; and
Robust tools to help law enforcement eliminate illegal sports betting and strengthen the integrity of games.
On the topic of daily fantasy sports, the AGA Board of Directors also made clear that the industry seeks legal clarity and adequate consumer protections. The gaming industry wishes to see this product succeed and to partner where appropriate. State-by-state legal clarity and consumer protections are necessary prerequisites for daily fantasy’s success and future collaborations between our industries.
As we move forward, the AGA will work with law enforcement, sports leagues and other interested parties to consider effective approaches that protect consumers and the integrity of sports.
Consensus Position Significant for Industry
The coalescing of diverse viewpoints within our industry marks a significant milestone that will help move this issue forward in a way that benefits consumers, the integrity of sports, Nevada and casino gaming across the country.
The recommendations reflect broad industry consensus and were developed by leadership from the industry’s casino operators, suppliers and sports book operators in Nevada and across 40 states through a Sports Betting Task Force, which unanimously agrees that current law is not achieving its intended result.
About the industry’s approach to sports betting, Jim Murren, AGA chairman and MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO, said:
“The culmination of a thorough process within our industry positions us to work with a wide variety of stakeholders who agree that rampant, unregulated and illegal sports betting is a threat to consumers and the sports we enjoy. As the head of the largest private sector employer in Nevada, I’m confident that the entertainment experience we provide in Las Vegas – which is unmatched anywhere else in the world – can continue to excel even as our country takes a fresh look at our approach to sports betting.”
Majority of Sports Betting is Done Illegally
While Delaware, Oregon and Montana permit some form of legal sports betting, the vast majority of traditional sports wagering occurs in Nevada. But legal sports betting pales in comparison to the amount wagered illegally on sports — nearly $140 billion this year alone, according to an AGA estimate. Far from a victimless crime, illegal sports betting funds criminal activities, takes advantage of consumers and fails to protect the integrity of America’s favorite pastimes.
What’s Next in 2016
The 2016 effort will include robust research, aggressive communications and partnerships with a variety of voices with interest in sports betting, including gaming leaders, law enforcement officials, regulators, legislators and professional sports leagues.
As always, I appreciate your engagement and feedback on these evolving issues. I look forward to our work together as we continue to unite the industry on common causes.
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