AGA sets sights on illegal sports betting

Wednesday 11th of November 2015

The American Gaming Association has issued a set of recommendations aimed at finding a solution to stamp out illegal sports betting, which may total as much as $138.9 billion this year alone.

The recommendations, which follow months of study, 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, it said.

The AGA intends to determine whether a rational alternative to current sports betting law exists. Such an alternative could include strict regulation, rigorous consumer protections and robust tools for law enforcement to eliminate illegal sports betting and strengthen the integrity of games, it said.

“The casino gaming industry is aligned that the status quo is unsustainable,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “We look forward to working with law enforcement, sports leagues and other interested parties to consider effective approaches to protecting consumers and the integrity of sports.”

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. Further, if daily fantasy sports is a legal activity, the casino gaming industry should have the opportunity to participate and partner with daily fantasy sports providers.

Sports Betting