Hatch slammed by AGA; Drinking the Kool-Aid

Orrin Hatch (R) is on his way out of the U.S. Senate but not without being a buttinski along the way. His last legislative initiative, it appears, will be to push for federal regulation of sports betting. His concern is not founded on a desire for one-size-fits-all regulation as much as it by anti-gambling prudery. “Sports betting, like other addictive behaviors, has ruined many lives,” he sniffed. “And it’s threat to the integrity of the games shows why the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act passed the Senate 88-5.” He conceded that attempting to reinstate prohibition wasn’t “prudent” but said, “Our goal should be to bring that activity into well-regulated legal markets that can better protect consumers and the integrity of sports.” That would include barring players and referees from placing bets. The Hatch Act could die of loneliness: It has no co-sponsors and its author is a lame duck.

The American Gaming Association was quick to respond. “Federal oversight of sports betting was an abject failure, succeeding only in enabling the growth of a massive illegal market. The Supreme Court decision removed this unconstitutional federal overreach, allowing states and sovereign tribal nations  — who have proven to be effective regulators of all gaming – to decide what works best for their constituents,” said spokeswoman Sara Slane, adding, “The casino industry continues to work with lawmakers, regulators, sports leagues and law enforcement to ensure the proper protection for consumers and the integrity of bets and sporting contests are in place.”

In a parting touch of condescension toward her newest adversary, Slane assured him “AGA has been a leading voice on sports betting policy and we will continue to serve as a resource to policymakers like Senator Hatch and his colleagues to ensure the position of the gaming industry is properly represented.” Duly noted.

* Kudos to MGM Resorts International for partnering with the Nevada System of Higher Education to provide tuition-free schooling for its employees. It is not only enlightened self-interest, giving MGM a better-educated caliber of employee, it is also the right thing to do. As Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle DiTondo said, “The state benefits from having a better-educated community. Long term, I think it’s a good thing for Nevada and all of the states we operate in as well.” Added NSHE Chancellor Thom Reilly, “They will need to be enrolled or accepted into a certificate or degree program. We’re focusing on completion, not on taking random classes.” The program kicks off in slightly over a year.

* Has Global Gaming Business been sniffing glue? It calls Ocean Resort “one of the newest and most successful casinos in” Atlantic City. You may recall that Ocean Resort finished in last place in July, grossing just under $16 million. If GGB Publisher Roger Gros‘ dire prediction of two casino closings in 2018-19 comes true, Ocean Resort is a leading candidate to be one of the fatal pair.