In the coming weeks, top regulators from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean are scheduled to meet in Indianapolis, Indiana to discuss the potential futures of both professional horse racing and the regulatory aspects of sports wagering. The meetings are taking place at an important time because recent court decisions and changes in governmental policies have the potential to dramatically alter the level of consumer protection afforded across various types of gaming.
This year’s meeting of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) along with its affiliate, the Sports Betting Regulators Association (SBRA) is being held in downtown Indianapolis at the JW Marriott. The meeting begins with a keynote address by Lonny Powell who serves as CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and has previously served as the president of the ARCI. Powell has extensive experience throughout all levels of the racing industry including his work as a regulator, wagering executive, and advocate. It is anticipated that he will provide a frank evaluation of the many serious challenges that exist for professional horse racing and what it will take for the industry to remain viable.
Much of the discussion during this years’ meeting will focus on Artificial Intelligence. Lisa Lazarus, HISA’s Chief Executive Officer, will speak about how her organization utilizes artificial intelligence to identify horses which may be at increased risk of injury and what implications this technology may hold for the future of equine welfare. Additionally, there will be separate sessions discussing how artificial intelligence based tools can be used to enhance responsible gambling programs. There also will be a session focusing on the negative impacts resulting from predatory advertising practices.
The ARCI National Meeting will include one of the most highly-anticipated sessions. The meeting will focus on the national advocacy group representing American Gamblers (America’s Bettors’ Voice), and in addition to presenting the consumers’ perspective regarding the major issues confronting America’s sports betters, the session will take on the long-standing issue facing the gaming industry; Why are so many betters avoiding Horse Racing?
The meeting will also address some of the key federal level developments occurring. A panel comprised of former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and former CNBC Correspondent Ian McGinley will be discussing the latest actions taken by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) involving Prediction Markets. These CFTC actions may ultimately eliminate the current protections afforded consumers through State regulation of Horse Racing and Sports Betting as well as cause a systemic disruption of the global financial markets should such protection disappear.
In addition to addressing the above topics, additional panels will discuss Unsanctioned Racing, Interstate Compacts covering both Quarter Horse Racing and Sports Betting, Accountability Implications of Federal Indictments of various U.S. Sports Betters, Computer Assisted Wagering, as well as an expanding list of Court Cases that have the potential to drastically alter the Regulatory Environment surrounding both Horse Racing and Sports Betting.
Finally, the ARCI National Meeting will recognize D.G. Van Clief, Jr., whose decades-long commitment to the Gaming Industry will be recognized with ARCI’s highest honor.