The UNLV International Gaming Institute has published an in-depth report for legislators and regulators titled “The Big Questions: Sports Wagering in America”

Sponsored by GVC Foundation US, a non-profit group dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and sports integrity, the report sets out to identify a responsible path forward for US gambling. It also poses and answers a broad range of questions faced by legislators and regulators, and aims to inform states’ decision making on the legalization of sports wagering.

The 33-page document can be accessed here and is accompanied by a detailed infographic which is downloadable here.

Among the big questions posed by the report is whether or not sports wagering be legalized and regulated with integrity and what are the youth gambling impacts? In jurisdictions where sports wagering and/or online gambling is not legalized, what happens in the illegal marketplace? Moreover, it seeks a view on Americans’ perceptions of gambling. 

“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.”  

Bo Jason Bernhard, Executive Director of UNLV IGI, commented: “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 minimizing its harms.

“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.”

The report represents essential reading for anyone involved in betting and gaming in the US, covering a multitude of issues including money laundering, problem gambling, cashless gaming, behavioral analytics and, not unexpectedly, the impact that COVID will bring to bear in the future.