UNLV Hosting Sports Betting Seminar

As the landscape changes on the possibility of legal sports betting, UNLV is doing something about it. On April 6 and 7, legislators and policy makers can attend the seminar, which is conducted by UNLV’s International Center for Gaming Regulation.

The seminar isn’t cheap, at $925, but attendees will learn about topics such as federal sports betting laws, the impact of offshore betting and visit a Las Vegas sportsbook. Titled, “Understanding Sports Betting,” the seminar will take a look at how Nevada handles sports betting. It also will cover Daily Fantasy Sports on the second day.

According to the Center, the seminar has “been developed for legislators, policy makers, tribal and state government officials, and gaming regulators who need tactical learning to prepare for future opportunities in sports betting.”

The need for the seminar is due to the number of states raising the question of legal sports betting. New Jersey has been joined by West Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, New York and others. The big question is states’ rights and if the federal government can tell them “no” to legalized sports betting.

Support for legal sports betting is probably at an all-time high. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver supports legalized, regulated sports betting. The American Gaming Association has also backed the legalization of sports betting.

The Center is expecting 25 to 30 people to attend, all coming from different backgrounds. Robert Horgan, operations director, International Center for Gaming Regulation, said the timing was right for the course.

Legalized sports betting could get a boost if acting Solicitor General Noel Francisco is named to that position permanently. President Trump nominated him earlier this week. Francisco is a friend of Sen. Ted Cruz, who supports individual rights of states. He is also former law clerk to Justice Scalia, who is seen to favor states having the option to allow sports betting.