Momentum for Legalized, Regulated Sports Betting Grows

On the heels of a new Washington Post poll showing that a “55-percent majority [of Americans] approve of legalizing betting on pro sporting events,” the American Gaming Association (AGA) and American Sports Betting Coalition (ASBC) addressed the benefits of a legalized sports betting market on Capitol Hill Wednesday during a roundtable discussion hosted by Third Way.

The event, “The Stakes of Sports Betting: A Look at the Federal Ban and the Current Debate over Legalization,” explored the economic impacts of a legalized market on the United States’ economy. Panelists also discussed the upcoming Supreme Court case that will challenge the constitutionality of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). PASPA currently bans full-fledged sports betting outside Nevada.

Gaming industry stakeholders, hill staff and media gathered in a standing-room only space to hear remarks from:

Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs, AGA;
Debbie Thundercloud, chief of staff, National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA);
Tim Murphy, former deputy director, FBI;
Dr. Russell Sanna, executive director, National Center for Responsible Gaming; and
Ethan Wilson, policy director of commerce & financial services, National Conference of State Legislatures.

Gabe Horwitz, economic program vice president for Third Way, introduced the panel and moderated the discussion about PASPA, the Supreme Court hearing, Congress’ role in any potential repeal and the overall need for a larger conversation around the future of legal, regulated sports betting in the United States.

I spoke on a variety of issues including the pending Supreme Court case that could repeal PASPA, the current state of legalized sports betting in other countries and the multitude of states that have created legislation for sports betting.

Sanna discussed the importance of emphasizing responsible gaming programs when it comes to sports betting and highlighted AGA’s Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct.

Wilson advocated on behalf of state’s rights, stating “the NCSL believes that the regulation of gambling should be developed, debated and carried out at the state level.”

Murphy, who chairs AGA’s Illegal Gambling Advisory Board, highlighted the size and scope of the illegal sports betting market that’s been created by PASPA.

Thundercloud gave an overview of Tribal gaming and discussed the importance of respect for Tribal sovereignty in the gaming industry.

AGA continues to lead a constructive dialogue with all key stakeholders on the issue of sports betting, and is actively engaging lawmakers to urge congressional hearings on the failed federal sports betting ban.