A report published by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute, and sponsored by GVC Foundation US, has identified a series of ‘Big Questions’ and aims to identify a path forward for gambling across the country.
The 33-page assessment, titled ‘The Big Questions: Sports Wagering in America,’ comes as developments continue at pace across the country following the repeal of PASPA in May 2018.
With a multitude of judiciary and legislative developments allowing states to determine their own sports wagering policies, the UNLV report, published for regulators and legislators, strives to inform decisions being made across these regions.
Among the questions posed in the assessment are can sports wagering be legalised and regulated with integrity? What are the youth gambling impacts? In jurisdictions where sports wagering and/or online gambling is not legalised, what happens in the illegal marketplace? Overall, what are Americans’ perceptions of gambling?
“We expect to see a surge in the popularity of sports betting as the US acclimates to this ‘new normal.’ As researchers, we want to ensure that this industry is regulated in a way that fosters the socio-economic benefits of gambling while minimising its harms,” stated Bo Jason Bernhard, executive director of UNLV IGI.
“As always, the IGI seeks to shed academic light on the major debates of the day, bringing together our ‘dream team’ of experienced and multi-disciplinary thinkers to weigh in on the big questions. Today, US policymakers can rely on an independent evaluation that covers a range of key issues, thanks to this first-of-its-kind report.”
Co-sponsored by GVC Foundation US, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and sports integrity, the major questions set down in the report were co-developed by both parties. The research team expects more disclosures as the aforementioned issues evolve.
“Our goal in drafting questions for the study was to highlight all major aspects of sports betting–the good, the bad and the ugly,” said Martin Lycka, trustee of GVC Foundation US and director of regulatory affairs for GVC Holdings.
“For sports betting to be the fun, safe, and well-structured enterprise that it’s meant to be, our industry needs to commit to honestly presenting its unique components to all regulators and legislators alike.”
