"Both states and tribes are demonstrating they are capable of regulating sports betting with integrity and success"

The International Gaming Institute (IGI) of the UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) finds one of the most interesting developments in gaming regulation in 2019 was the expansion of legalized sports betting. Currently, 20 states and the District of Columbia either have either authorized legal regulated sports betting or offer it. “One of the benefits of UNLV’s hosting the US Regulators Forum is the opportunity for US regulators to come together and discuss issues of common concern and identify areas in which regulators can work together develop or strengthen existing policies,” the IGI tells Yogonet. 

For example, they note that the Louisiana Gaming Control Board has developed a training program about how to identify human trafficking and sexual exploitation for law enforcement and gaming regulatory bodies. At the US Regulators Forum, Chair Ronnie Jones shared both the training program and Louisiana’s experiences in developing and implementing this program with other US regulators.

Asked about learnings and takeaways this year, especially in sports betting regulations and discussions this year, the IGI remarks that as the number of jurisdictions that offer legalized sports betting continues to grow in the United States, both individual states and Indian Tribes are demonstrating they are capable of regulating sports betting with integrity and success.

Florida, Missouri, Georgia and Kentucky are just some of the states driving discussions to legalize some form of sports betting. The Michigan administration, for instance, has raised concerns over sports betting taking revenues away from the Michigan Lottery before passing the new legislation, and Illinois gambling expansion is also bringing discussions regarding taxation, among others. 

The IGI believes that states are in the best position to regulate sports betting. “While there are some policies such as integrity, accountability, regulatory compliance and consumer protection provisions that are important to every jurisdiction, each state legislature must make policy decisions that are unique to its jurisdiction. Tax structures and fees have significant impact on the legal sports betting market and how any given bettor makes the decision as to where to place bets. If tax structures and fees are too high those wishing to place bets may turn to a neighboring jurisdiction or the illegal market.”

Looking into 2020 agenda for the gaming industry, the IGI says both online gaming and sports betting are ripe for innovations, as disruptive technologies and new offerings have already begun to emerge. May 2020 will mark the 2-year anniversary of the PASPA repeal. “With federal lawmakers expressing an interest in taking up sports betting legislation, there will be an opportunity for states to showcase their approach to gaming regulation,” the International Gaming Institute foresees.