American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller shared his thoughts with Newsweek about the state and perception of America’s legal sports betting industry.
The regulated U.S. industry, which includes 38 states and the District of Columbia, has undergone substantial growth since the overturning of PASPA in 2018. Miller, who considers wagering a form of entertainment similar to going to the movies, believes the industry is heading in the right direction as it drives revenue for states while protecting consumers.
According to data provided by the AGA, roughly 59% of Americans find gambling to be personally acceptable marking an all-time high. In his op-ed in Newsweek, Miller makes his case for sports betting being an entertainment option that has proper regulatory oversight.
“Legal gaming is one of the most regulated industries in the U.S., and the industry itself invests heavily in responsible gaming initiatives to ensure that participants can engage in this activity positively,” said Miller in Newsweek. “Tools like deposit limits, time limits, and exclusion options are standard offerings by licensed operators. These resources allow consumers to control their engagement and set boundaries.”
According to an AGA study from September 2024, gambling industry companies spend approximately $471 million annually on investments in responsible gaming. The investment goes toward studying, education and the delivery of RG resources, initiatives, and services.
Miller also details the influx of gambling-related revenue that is being allocated by regulators toward state and local governments. Sports betting, which generates billions in state tax revenue annually, helps fund initiatives such as water conversation in Colorado, public school education in Maryland and problem gambling research and treatment.
Miller also makes the case that regulated wagering hinders illegal operators.
“The industry today works with more than 5,000 state and tribal regulators nationwide to bring integrity to a market previously dominated by offshore criminal enterprises, and partners with those states to prevent those crime rings from reaching Americans in legal markets,” added Miller. “At its core, legal sports betting reflects a trust in the ability of American adults to make informed choices about how they engage with entertainment.”
Miller believes the U.S. sports betting industry is a testament to the standards set by regulators and the ability of operators to adhere to them. Sports betting, which receives backlash for personal well-being concerns, is here to stay and thriving according to Miller.
“Legalized sports betting is not a societal ill or a threat to the fabric of America,” said Miller. “It’s a success story—one that demonstrates how regulation, innovation, and responsibility can come together to benefit consumers and communities alike.”
https://sbcamericas.com/2024/12/12/bill-miller-sports-betting-newsweek/