The second American Gaming Association Sports Betting Executive Summit will feature the first pro sports executive to crack the opposition to legalized sports betting. Six years ago NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wrote an op-ed article in the New York Times, suggesting the activity “be appropriately monitored and regulated.”
Silver will participate in the event, March 16-18 at MGM National Harbor in Maryland. The invitation-only conference will discuss the viability of sports betting markets, technology, and other topics.
In the op-ed, Silver wrote that sports betting “should be brought out of the underground and into the sunlight.”
It took almost four years, but 20 states and Washington D.C. have since legalized sports betting, while 17 other states are considering legislation addressing the issue this year.
AGA Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Casey Clark said Silver will provide insight on sports betting’s rapid expansion since his endorsement stunned the professional sports and gaming communities. Clark said the second summit will offer a different perspective from last year’s inaugural event, according to CDC Gaming Reports.
“I don’t believe anyone predicted how quickly sports betting would grow,” Clark said. “We’re not talking about potential, we’re discussing maturity. Everything happened in a short amount of time and it will be interesting to hear the commissioner’s perspective.”
In addition to Silver, the AGA has confirmed participation in the summit by “the sports betting ecosystem.” The event takes place at a time when some 70 partnership agreements between leagues, gaming companies, sportsbook operators and related businesses have been announced. The AGA anticipates the figure could reach 100 by the end of the year.
Barstool Sports CEO Erika Nardini and Penn National Gaming CEO Jay Snowden will discuss their companies’ $163 million deal to utilize the media platform’s brand in both retail and online sports books operated by the regional casino giant.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps and Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke will address how legal sports betting is creating opportunities to deepen fan engagement. The companies entered into a data partnership last year. NASCAR also announced that Penn National would become its sports betting partner.
Other sessions include a discussion with DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and FanDuel CEO Matt King on the evolution of their daily fantasy sports businesses into legal sports betting opportunities. Monumental Sports CEO Ted Leonsis told the Summit will discuss the deal reached to add sports betting to the Capital One Arena he owns.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daley, Kambi Chief Commercial Officer Max Meltzer, and Yahoo Sports Vice President Geoff Reiss will also participate.
The realization that sports betting has become a viable piece of the overall gaming industry—$13 billion was wagered legally on sports in 2019—the Summit is now about “protecting and enhancing” the prospects.
“How do we behave and act responsible to unlock the opportunity,” Clark said. “As an industry, we don’t want to get out over our skis.”
