Legislative Focus on Integrity, the Proven Lynchpin of Gaming Success, Is Now at Risk
Session Title
Regulation: Integrity, Policy & Emerging Issues
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation
Start Date
26-5-2026 12:00 AM
Abstract
Gaming's half-century of growth rests on the principle that participation is a privilege Licensees must demonstrate their good character, honesty and integrity to secure that privilege, and in turnstates will establish rules that are clear, manageable and structured to advance public policy. That proven path to success is now at risk. Of all the challenges facing gaming, none are more critical than the trifecta of sweepstakes, predictions markets and “skill” games. These – along with similar challenges that we can surely expect in the new year – are being addressed in various states, by lawmakers and regulators who are trying very hard to move forward into this challenging, new world. The current generation of state lawmakers cannot ignore those challenges. Legislators are considering “solutions” that include legalizing these challenges, and converting them into taxpaying economic generators. That approach would be cleaner and easier to implement than an alternative policy of outlawing such games, but it would also be dangerous … and wrong. Legislators tempted to follow that approach will fail to recognize that doing so will weaken the rules that they and their predecessors have already established. In such a world, legislators will no longer be the rule-makers. They will be the rule-followers. That portends a future with less capital investment, less public trust in gaming integrity, and ultimately fewer tax dollars available to advance state policies.
Legislative Focus on Integrity, the Proven Lynchpin of Gaming Success, Is Now at Risk
Gaming's half-century of growth rests on the principle that participation is a privilege Licensees must demonstrate their good character, honesty and integrity to secure that privilege, and in turnstates will establish rules that are clear, manageable and structured to advance public policy. That proven path to success is now at risk. Of all the challenges facing gaming, none are more critical than the trifecta of sweepstakes, predictions markets and “skill” games. These – along with similar challenges that we can surely expect in the new year – are being addressed in various states, by lawmakers and regulators who are trying very hard to move forward into this challenging, new world. The current generation of state lawmakers cannot ignore those challenges. Legislators are considering “solutions” that include legalizing these challenges, and converting them into taxpaying economic generators. That approach would be cleaner and easier to implement than an alternative policy of outlawing such games, but it would also be dangerous … and wrong. Legislators tempted to follow that approach will fail to recognize that doing so will weaken the rules that they and their predecessors have already established. In such a world, legislators will no longer be the rule-makers. They will be the rule-followers. That portends a future with less capital investment, less public trust in gaming integrity, and ultimately fewer tax dollars available to advance state policies.