In the latest sign of progress in the effort to repeal the failed federal ban on sports betting, more than 30 law enforcement leaders gathered last week for the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) first Law Enforcement Summit to better understand the massive illegal sports betting market in the United States and what steps can be taken to address it.
The Summit, led by members of AGA’s Illegal Gambling Advisory Board, convened leading officials from top federal, state and local law enforcement organizations, including:
•Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);
•U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE);
•Interpol D.C.;
•Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA);
•Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE);
•The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP);
•International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP);
•National Sheriffs’ Association;
•Major Cities Chiefs Association;
•Major County Sheriffs’ Association;
•National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE);
•National Association of Attorneys General Gaming Committee;
•National District Attorneys Association; and
•National Black Prosecutors Association.
Several gaming practitioners and regulators also attended. Educating the group on the U.K. sports betting model, Genius Sports Group showcased its ability to use cutting-edge technology to monitor the integrity of games, while Karl Bennison, chief of the Enforcement Division at the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and other gaming industry leaders discussed the Nevada model.
In a concluding town hall discussion, participants shared their experiences of combatting illegal gambling and explored the opportunities to partner on the issue.
Here are three takeaways from the Summit:
1. Law Enforcement is Key to Addressing Outdated Federal Sports Betting Law
During the robust discussion, law enforcement personnel spoke of the illegal sports betting market as a significant problem and of regulation as a potential solution. No group is more credible in carrying that message and identifying a solution than members of law enforcement. Based on input from participants, the AGA’s Illegal Gambling Advisory Board will author an after-action report that will serve as a guide for stakeholders – including policymakers, regulators and sports leagues – to develop potential solutions.
2. Illegal Sports Betting is Anything But a Victimless Crime
With firsthand experience of the violent crimes tied to illegal gambling, law enforcement personnel agreed that the problem is anything but a victimless crime. Illegal sports betting funds large criminal enterprises involved in racketeering, money laundering, extortion and fraud. “We need to start talking about the ramifications of illegal gambling more and help the public understand what it means,” suggested one attendee. But despite the seriousness, these leaders also mentioned a lack of resources and interest in pursuing illegal sports betting activities.
3. Regulated Sports Betting Market Could Aid Law Enforcement Efforts
As one participant said of sports betting’s widespread popularity, “it’s not something you can put back in the bottle.” Americans bet at least $150 billion a year on sports illegally and this number will only grow. As we’ve seen in Nevada and Europe, a legal, regulated sports betting market brings much-needed transparency and consumer protection to the issue – two significant concerns of law enforcement. In Australia, the U.K. and across Europe, stakeholders, including leagues, sports book operators and law enforcement, partner to give fans what they want – a legal, regulated environment to bet on the games they love to watch. It works in Nevada and it can work in states across the country.
The AGA will continue to work with the law enforcement community to expose the vast, illegal sports betting market and partner on initiatives geared toward advancing a more sensible federal policy toward sports betting. Join the conversation and explore the AGA’s “Stop Illegal Gambling – Play it Safe” initiative.
