Winter Meeting of NCLGS to focus on US sports betting

The rapid spread of sports betting across the country will take center stage at the Winter Meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), January 10-12 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, in California.

The event’s sessions will cover: sports betting from the perspective of the leagues and the athletes; regulatory best practices in sports betting; and the unique aspects of sports betting in responsible-gambling efforts.

"With sports betting already operating in 14 states, preparing to launch in several more states in 2020, and being considered for legalization in many other states, NCLGS is committed to providing legislators, industry stakeholders and the public with timely, expert insight on this important aspect of gaming from several perspectives," said NCLGS President William Coley, a state senator from Ohio.

The NCLGS Winter Meeting is open to the public. Due to the high conference turnout, NCLGS is providing a list of eight first-class hotels that are within easy walking distance of the host Marriott.

On Friday, January 10, the Committee on Emerging Gaming will examine sports betting from the perspective of those upon whom the bets are made. Experts presenting include: Joe Briggs, Staff Counsel, Public Policy Counsel, National Football League Players Association; Marquest Meeks, Senior Counsel, Sports Betting & Investigations, Major League Baseball; Naima Stevenson Starks, VP of Hearing Operations, National Collegiate Athletic Association.

On Saturday, a Masterclass panel conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) will focus on the best practices for the future of sports betting. Speakers on that panel include: Kate Lowenhar-Fisher, Member, Dickinson Wright; John Maloney, Principal Attorney, John K. Maloney Law; Dan Reaser, Director, Fennemore Craig; Sue Schneider, Vice President, Growth & Strategy/Americas, Sports Betting Community.

On Sunday, sports betting is the focus of the second general session. The panel will focus on the need for comprehensive, thoughtful and creative approaches to problem gambling with the expansion of sports betting. 

The agenda for the three-day NCLGS Winter Meeting also includes:

• Six legislative-chaired Committee sessions that will focus on tribal and commercial casinos, responsible gaming, and lotteries, as well as legal, regulatory, and operational aspects related to sports betting
• A second IMGL masterclass panel focusing on the legal and regulatory trends of tribal and state compacts
• Morning Keynote Address from Robert Zahradnik of The Pew Charitable Trusts
• Luncheon Keynote Address from Bill Miller of the American Gaming Association: "State of the Industry"
• Two Sunday general session panel discussions
• Thursday evening networking reception
• Friday evening welcome reception
• Saturday afternoon tour of Pechanga Resort Casino in nearby Temecula