US Gaming Association set to fight federal regulator on sports betting

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is vehemently opposing federal framework that seeks to regulate sports betting in the country.

According to the association, the new system would just substitute an “already proven regulatory regime” supported by the majority of US citizens.

The US Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer last month proposed nationwide regulations to cover the gambling sector.

However some states have already enacted their own laws to regulate sports betting after the Supreme Court repealed PASPA, the previous bill that banned sports betting in almost all US states.

The AGA has communicated its disapproval to Schumer and has also written to him, stating that the body, “firmly believes that additional federal engagement is not warranted at this time.”

The senior vice-president of public affairs at the AGA, Sara Slane, in the recent letter to Schumer said she supports regulated sports betting, but believes it is best served in the current environment.

“AGA has long been a leading advocate for eliminating the vast illegal sports betting market in the US, which was largely enabled by PASPA,” she said.

“We believe this can best be achieved through law enforcement oversight and robust state regulation.

“Bringing sports betting activity into a transparent legal market, under state and tribal regulatory oversight, empowers law enforcement to tackle illegal gambling, provides essential consumer protection and better ensures bet and game integrity.

“It will also create new American jobs and generate additional local, state, and federal tax revenue.”
The association also bemoaned the opportunistic endeavour of the several parties who were against the legalisation of sports betting now trying to take advantage of the new system.

The National Basketball Association last month entered into a landmark deal with MGM Resort International, while the National Football League franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, last week became the first team to link up with a gambling company, after reaching an agreement with WinStar World Casino.

A Nielson Sports report commissioned by the AGA established that the annual revenue of the NFL could rise to $2.3 billion each year through legally-regulated sports betting.