Schumer suggested that sportsbooks use only official league data to determine betting outcomesGETTY IMAGES
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has laid out "specific proposals for a federal outline for sports betting" suggesting that leagues "should be involved in deciding which bets are deemed acceptable, but that they should also heighten monitoring," according to Tal Axelrod of THE HILL. Schumer yesterday suggested that sportsbooks "use only official league data to determine betting outcomes." He said a federal framework is needed to "prevent uncertainty and confusion for the leagues, state governments, consumers and fans alike." Specific recommendations include "prohibiting anyone under age 21 from betting and prohibiting advertising targeted at young people." The recommendations also include "preventing athletes, coaches, officials, teams or league representatives from taking a financial stake in a wager." But integrity fees are "not included" in Schumer’s recommendations (THEHILL.com, 8/29). In New Jersey, Herb Jackson notes bettors in the state currently can "wager on a game's outcomes" and "place in-game bets." Meadowlands Racetrack Chair & CEO Jeffrey Gural said that Congress "should stay out" of regulating what kind of bets are allowed. Gural: "In New Jersey, it's working OK. Why do we need federal legislation?" The American Gaming Association called Schumer's plan "a nonstarter." It said that the industry was "working with stakeholders to ensure consumer protections and the integrity of bets" (Bergen RECORD, 8/30).
LEAGUE APPROVAL: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell noted Schumer's suggestions are "what the sports leagues have advocated for -- a national framework so that each state, while they can decide on their own whether they want to take on sports betting, won't be able to make their own rules." In a joint statement, the NBA, MLB and PGA Tour said that they "support Schumer's memo." The NFL and NCAA also released a statement yesterday supporting the suggestions (ESPN.com, 8/29).
