The testimony of the American Gaming Association was backed up by Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) Chairwoman Becky Harris at Thursday's House Judiciary Subcommittee sports betting hearing.
Representatives at the hearing discussed federal oversight of sports betting legislation; a framework for which has previously been put forward by Senator Chuck Schumer.
Sara Slane, AGA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, testified against the need for federal involvement, asserting state and sovereign tribal nations are best placed to regulate sports betting locally.
But Slane wasn't alone, with her testimony receiving the support of NGCB Chairwoman Harris, who emphasised the success and “integrity” of regulation in Nevada as a blueprint for other states.
Although the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act earlier this year allowed US states outside Nevada to fully regulate sports betting for the first time, sports betting has been allowed in the Silver State since 1949.
Harris told the hearing: “I don’t think right now is the time for any kind of federal engagement with regard to gambling.
"States do a great job in every area including sports betting and we’ve just begun to see the roll out in other states. Nevada has a comprehensive regulatory structure that has been refined over decades and we have a lot of integrity in our process."
Slane said: "Just as Congress has refrained from regulating lotteries, slot machines, table games and other gambling products, it should leave sports betting oversight to the states and tribes that are closest to the market."
