Vegas Bookmaker Manteris Urges Congress to Enforce Separation of Sports and Betting

In a compelling op-ed, veteran Las Vegas bookmaker Art Manteris calls on lawmakers and sports organizations to implement significant reforms in sports betting. He emphasized the need to prohibit specific prop bets and establish a clear separation between sports participation and gambling activities.

With over 40 years of experience, including managing sportsbooks and consulting for the NBA, Manteris warns that the swift growth of legal sports betting in the US has surpassed regulatory measures and cultural standards, fostering an environment vulnerable to corruption and match-fixing. His insights point out an urgent need for action to safeguard the integrity of athletic competitions.

Urgent Call for Reform

Manteris’ op-ed comes amid serious allegations of point shaving involving current and former college basketball players, as well as a former NBA player. He argues that these incidents underscore his concerns regarding unchecked betting markets.

“In the post-PASPA era,” Manteris states, referencing the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting across the US, “all bets are off when it comes to the ability to monitor gambling activity.” With extensive experience managing sportsbooks at prominent venues like Caesars Palace, he warns that without significant reforms, “the future will bring more corruption and scandal.” He urges regulators, lawmakers, and the public to take immediate action to safeguard the integrity of sports and the betting industry.

Proposed Policy Changes

In his op-ed, Manteris emphasizes several policy reforms needed to address the current issues in the US sports betting landscape. He advocates for banning specific prop bets, particularly individual performance wagers in college sports, a stance recently endorsed by NCAA leaders considering recent scandals. Additionally, he calls for licensed sports integrity monitoring services to identify and report suspicious activities across professional and amateur levels.

Manteris also urges that fantasy contests and parlays be regulated as gambling activities requiring oversight. He suggests modernizing outdated laws, such as the 1961 Wire Act, to better align with current technology and interstate betting practices. Lastly, he proposes that federal tax revenues from wagering be directed toward integrity monitoring and addiction prevention programs.

Incompatibility of Betting and Sports

Manteris asserts that gambling and athletic competition cannot coexist without proper regulation and separation. He cites past scandals, such as the Tim Donaghy NBA referee betting controversy, to show how betting interests can infiltrate sports and erode public trust. He stresses that the vast scale of legalized betting post-PASPA necessitates new safeguards rather than relying on outdated regulatory frameworks.