MGCB Hosts Panel Discussion on College Sports Betting Regulations

Commitment to a Transparent Gaming Environment

Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, points out the board’s commitment to fostering a transparent and compliant gaming environment, particularly in the context of college sports betting. “By hosting this panel discussion and engaging with NCAA Division I collegiate officials involved with overseeing compliance, talking about ways in which we might be able to work together to prevent student-athletes from illegal gambling, we aim to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility,” Williams stated.

The panel featured seasoned experts in gaming and regulatory practices:

Dave Murley: Deputy Director of Online Gaming & Legal Affairs, MGCB

Mark Hicks: Managing Director of Enforcement, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Richard Taylor: Director of Responsible Gaming, BetMGM

Dan Trolaro: Co-Managing Director of Education and Training Services, IC360

Patrick Walter: Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Detroit Office

Addressing the Risks

Dan Trolaro from IC360 highlighted the unique challenges faced by student-athletes in relation to gambling. He pointed out the need for educational curriculums that address gambling, risk-taking, and decision-making. “Athletes are risk takers and are conditioned to know if they practice, they can get better, but the problem is that’s not how gambling works,” he said.

“Current K-12 educational curriculums include discussions about drugs, alcohol, and stranger danger but not about gambling, risk-taking, and decision-making. We need to create a curriculum about gambling so that we can empower our student-athletes and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in life after college,” Trolaro emphasized.