These are wild times on the sports-betting front. It stars a diverse cast ranging from the U.S. Supreme Court to former sportscaster Brent Musburger (who headlines a sports-gambling talk show in a specially built studio in the South Point sportsbook) to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (investor in DraftKings fantasy sports). Indeed, sports gambling has become so mainstream that even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver argues it should be legalized, regulated, and taxed. But there’s no uniform set of regulations from state to state.
Trying to make sense of this evolving landscape will be a two-day UNLV course, September 20-21, at the International Center for Gaming Regulation. It will weigh the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision to hear a New Jersey sports-gambling case, discuss whether fantasy sports is gambling or a skill-based game, and include a stop at a Vegas sportsbook.
Jennifer Roberts, the center’s associate director, says the Supreme Court decision could potentially open the door to sports wagering in New Jersey — a hot topic in the industry.
“Sports wagering is embedded into our culture,” Roberts adds. “And some people think that if you’re going to gamble, it’s better to do it in a regulated environment.”
(The course costs $925; call 702-895-2445).
Alan Snel is the founder/writer of lvsportsbiz.com, which reports on the business and politics of sports and stadiums in Las Vegas.