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As Massachusetts prepares to start sports betting next week, the Gambling Commission could tighten regulations to address the players association’s concerns about the safety of professional athletes, their families, and players. We are going to take a closer look at a certain place. A site official, the commissioner, said on Monday.
The Players Association, a body that includes representatives of players from the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and Major League Soccer, has asked the Game Commission to include language in its regulations outlining safety measures for players, families, and others. Did. Penalties for fans and bettors who pose threats against them. The group said it had many options, from banning people who intimidate betting in Massachusetts to shutting down all betting on certain games and sports.
“I think there’s a certain reason why we need to take a serious look at what we’re asking for. It’s because this industry, the sports betting industry, is built on the backs of the players. Literally, the income is It’s entirely driven by player performance,” said Steve Farr, special adviser to the National Hockey League Players Association. “Still, we are not here today reaching out for money. What we are asking today in this process is to make things safer and make sports betting better and fairer It’s just a matter of considering a few things to do.”
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In a September letter that provided examples of specific language it wanted Massachusetts to include in its rules, the group said it knew the players it represented were “targets that could lose the better of the sport.” and, importantly, their family members are also covered.These cases have already occurred in various parts of the United States and other countries, and they and their families are subject to Massachusetts regulations. It should be protected.”
In the letter and Monday’s roundtable, player representatives cited circumstances of unruly behavior by fans “including at TD Garden, where the safety of players is at risk”. cited a 2018 incident in which a fan threw a beer at Tyreek Hill during a Patriots game, as well as several other incidents from events across the country.
In 2019, as state lawmakers considered legalizing sports betting, federal prosecutors in Massachusetts posted death threats on the Instagram accounts of at least 45 professional and college athletes, including 23 from California. announced an indictment against the 19-year-old former Babson College football player. From the end of July 2017 he to the beginning of December 2017. The man pleaded guilty in 2019 and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
“For example, when it comes to safety, there is always this idea that leagues and teams are best at handling some of these issues. I think we are in a unique position to describe the need for a gentle or strong nudge from a team or league. are having a bit of a hard time when it comes to imposing discipline on their fans, because they’re making money.”
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The association and its lobbyists, Jim Eisenberg and Kris Erikson of Preti Strategies, believe that it is rare for a gaming committee to have to intervene, and that the committee’s ability to intervene alone can be a deterrent. said there is. .
“I hope the chances of you having to stop basketball games in the garden are very small. There needs to be an ongoing dialogue between event arena owners,” said Eisenberg.
Matt Nussbaum, general counsel for the Major League Baseball Players Association, said the Gambling Commission could disqualify certain individuals from betting in Massachusetts if they threatened players or their families. He said a rule allowing them to “would encourage players to come forward.” Targeting ballparks and social media.
Gaming Commission members appeared receptive on Monday but questioned whether they had the power to do what was asked of them or whether they were the best people to tackle the issue. I wasn’t entirely sure.
The commission’s legal adviser, Todd Grossman, said the issue needed to be “examined”, saying that while the sports betting law has language allowing voluntary self-exclusion, “I would like to explore it in a little more detail.” You’ll have to take a look. See if they deal with involuntary exclusions in the same way that your state’s casino gambling laws do.
“Frankly, I don’t know of any such language, but it certainly may exist. “I think we are certainly aware of this issue now, and perhaps we were, but I would like to elaborate on that.” I’ll look.”
- read more: Regulator names veteran gaming insider Bruce Band as leader of sports betting sector
Commissioner Eileen O’Brien referred to “the conundrum of an industry profiting from the actions and hard work of other individuals” and where the responsibility lies for their safety and fair treatment.
“The main responsibility lies with the companies that make that money and the others that make money from the work of athletes in the first place. I believe we can play a role.There are limits.Obviously, our statutory limits only go so far,” she said. We absolutely believe that we need to be as aggressive as possible with the regulations in order to have a lot of impact.”
Fehr told the commissioner, “Game companies have nothing to do with players. So we have to rely on you and ourselves to do the best we can.”
Commissioner Nakisha Skinner said the committee believes the safety of athletes, their families and those involved is an “absolute priority”, but that the committee does not have the authority to take any action taken by the athletes association. He said he would like to wait for Grossman’s more detailed analysis as to whether there is. Seeking.
“I believe we do to some extent, but I think it’s an open discussion about how far to extend that authority. So I’m looking forward to having that discussion with my fellow commissioners.” she said.
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Commission chair Kathy Judd-Stein has been the most direct, saying the commission “will work on the wording of the rules to ensure that the safety and well-being of the players are addressed”, which is part of the responsibility. A sports betting company that suggested that it could impose a
“Commissioners, we want to at least clarify that information and then evaluate next steps. The most important thing is not to be intimidating. We’re betting on providing entertainment for Massachusetts residents,” she said. “And because licensees have been given the opportunity to do business in Massachusetts, they will join us in that effort.”
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