SBC Americas

Some of the world’s largest tennis organizations are sharing collective data on gambling-related online abuse against players and officials.

According to data collected by the International Tennis Federation, Women’s Tennis Association, the All England Lawn Tennis Club and United States Tennis Association, there were roughly 12,000 online posts and comments with abuse messaging directed at athletes and officials between January 2024 and October 2024. The posts and comments, which were monitored through the innovative Threat Matrix service, showcase the need for organizations and governing bodies to combat gambling-related harassment.

Between January and October, approximately 48% of the abusive messaging came from “angry gamblers” with Threat Matrix monitoring around 2.47 million posts worldwide.

The posts and comments monitored during that period were in 39 different languages.

“Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and with that, it was essential for the WT..

During a public hearing on the new model igaming legislation introduced by the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) most of the feedback was positive but there were a couple of issues that proved controversial. Most notably, the prohibition of credit card deposits drew criticism.

Former regulator says no evidence credit card bans work

Former Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement David Rebuck was the most vocal critic. He was part of the group that consulted on the draft and helped develop language, but he made public his disagreement with that particular component of the bill.

“A one size fits all, maximum amount of money that can be wagered is not supported by evidence today. The ban on credit cards is also not supported by evidence and research today,” Rebuck noted. He also observed that the current draft of the legislation lacks definitions and licensing requirements for affiliates, which he believes is necessary for the industry.

Severa..

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is reaching new heights in its effort to garner support for youth gambling awareness.

The NCPG has reported a record 74 lotteries and 101 community organizations that have promised their participation in the council’s 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign. The campaign, supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, raises awareness of the risks of purchasing lottery tickets for children.

The 2024 Gift Responsible Campaign will have participation from major U.S. lotteries, including the California State Lottery, New Jersey Lottery and Hoosier Lottery. Regulators, including the New York State Gaming Commission, are also participating.

“This year’s record participation is a heartwarming way to enter the holiday season as we continue our work to educate the public about the dangers of underage gambling,” said NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte. “The Gift Responsibly Campaign promotes global awareness and understa..

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang wrote in an op-ed this week that sports betting increases harms such as financial hardship and domestic violence. The ex-New York City mayoral candidate called for the U.S. to rethink regulation of online sports wagering.

Writing for Newsweek, Yang noted that he bets on sports himself after being “enticed” by a promotional offer for new customers. However, he wished he didn’t and he wants to see regulation and expansion of sports wagering reconsidered, for various reasons.

“I would love to see the regulation on this issue rethought,” wrote Yang. “… The facts are clear. Online sports betting is the equivalent of a new tax on Americans that preys upon vulnerable, low-income men in particular. It increases financial stresses and emotional problems. It’s not what your citizens need.”

Ultimately, he advised any states that may be considering legalizing online sports betting to consider the consequences carefully.

“Betting on sports on..

The draft model online gaming legislation published by the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) suggests a notable revamp in the way states look to protect players.

As well as recommending significant benchmarks for iGaming in the U.S. including a tax rate of 15-25% and fast-tracked approval for existing sports betting licensees, the NCLGS’ ideal legislative framework put forth a range of player protection measures.

One of the measures the legislators propose is that state lawmakers mandate the creation of a player health program to increase public awareness of problem gambling, promote responsible gaming and provide services for problem gambling prevention, treatment and recovery services.

Under the NCLGS’ proposal, state player health programs would be developed and administered by each state’s regulatory body and may encompass duties such as:

Developing and implementing problem gambling public awareness campaigns

Developing and implementing treatment prog..