An article published by the New York Times on Sunday November 20th has industry trade groups and individuals up in arms. The controversial piece focussed on sports betting lobbying efforts, has been described as including “several mischaracterisations”.
With a title like, “Cigars, Booze, Money: How a Lobbying Blitz Made Sports Betting Ubiquitous”, it’s easy to see why. The article goes on to say that the US gambling sector “got their way with lawmakers after showering them with donations, gifts and dubious arguments.”
In a statement published on LinkedIn, the American Gaming Association (AGA) said that the NYT had made “several mischaracterisations” in the article, saying:
“As unapologetic advocates for our industry, the AGA engages with the New York Times and any other outlet to share facts and perspectives,” read the post. “Despite these efforts, there are several mischaracterisations in the Times’ recent reporting on the legal sports betting industry.”
“The US gaming industry is one of the most heavily regulated in the country. The federal government regulates the gaming industry like financial institutions while thousands of dedicated professionals across legal jurisdictions set and enforce gaming regulations. There’s an appropriately high bar to clear to receive and retain a gaming license and any assertion to the contrary is false.”
Gaming industry trade association iDEA Growth also waded in, saying in a press release:
“The New York Times’ sports betting series, published November 20, ignores the myriad of consumer protections and community benefits derived from legal and regulated sports betting and iGaming.
“iDEA Growth and its 33 members, which includes nearly every US online gaming operator, work diligently to prevent organised crime, protect privacy, keep children from betting and offer responsible online gaming. Contrary to what the Times reported, a legalised and regulated sports betting and iGaming industry matters. It matters a lot.”
