AGA denies NCAA’s take on sports betting

AGA’s Sara Slane responded to NCAA President’s claims about how wagering would “threaten the integrity of college sports.”

US.- Ever since the sports betting debate started in the US, besides questioning its legality, one of the most discussed topics was whether collegiate sports should be included or not. That’s why the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President criticised the impact the segment would have on them, but the American Gaming Association (AGA) quickly responded.

“It’s going to threaten the integrity of college sports in many ways unless we are willing to act boldly and strongly,” NCAA President Mark Emmert had stated. However, AGA’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Sara Slane criticised him and said he’s ignoring the black market has already existed for a long time.

“Mr. Emmert is failing to address, or choosing to ignore the decades-old, massive illegal market for sports betting in this country – which includes betting on collegiate athletics – that continues to thrive,” she said and added: “Surely the NCAA can’t support the status quo.”

According to Ms Slane, only once betting gets properly legalised and regulated sports integrity can be guaranteed. “Sports wagering is a multi-billion dollar, sophisticated enterprise that, if left primarily in the shadows, will continue to threaten competition and bet integrity, tax law enforcement resources and perpetuate the vulnerability of athletes – particularly unpaid amateur athletes – to bad actors in the illegal market,” she stated.

“The AGA continues to support the expansion of legal, regulated sports wagering. In the eight states where sports betting is now legal, consumers have a viable, safe alternative to place bets and benefit from the protection of stringent oversight by experienced gaming regulators. Without legalisation, none of these protections exist and we leave game and bet integrity, consumers and athletes vulnerable,” Ms Slane explained.