On the morning of Wednesday 20th April, Genius Sports Group and the American Gaming Association (AGA) hosted a landmark event about the future of sports and gaming in the United States (US). Taking place in the US Capitol Visitors Centre, Washington D.C, a wide range of stakeholders – including professional sports leagues from around the world, law enforcement, the gaming industry, members of the media and members of Congress – examined the global issues and opportunities associated with legal and regulated sports betting.

Attendees heard from two panels on the day – Illegal Gambling and Sports Leagues & Integrity. Speakers sought to address the following:

• How the illegal betting market in the US works;
• Ties between black market betting and large criminal organizations;
• Challenges faced by law enforcement at local, state and federal levels;
• Challenges faced by sports leagues around integrity and why it matters.

The event was a huge success with 130+ (capacity) attendees and it was clear from the direction of the conversation that there is a strong desire for change from all key stakeholders – sports, leagues & operators. 

Creating a transparent and cohesive framework is a clear opportunity which will benefit all parties and the event was the perfect way to kick off the debate about how this is best achieved.

Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports Group, commented: “The event has been a huge success and credit to the AGA and its influence over the key stakeholders in the sector. It is clear from the direction of the conversation that there is a desire for change from all key stakeholders both sports, leagues, and operators. Creating a transparent and cohesive framework is a clear opportunity which will benefit all parties and is the perfect way to kick off the debate about how this is best achieved.”