CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The National Basketball Association is making its case for professional sports leagues to play a greater role in the discussion of sports betting in West Virginia.
The legislature approved a bill which would allow for the sports bets to be placed at the state’s five casinos and via apps connected to those outlets. But all of this hinges on the Supreme Court ruling that would allow for sports betting outside the state of Nevada.
The NBA and Major League Baseball have both indicated concern about the West Virginia plan and are seeking an “integrity fee” from the proceeds of sports gaming in the state.
“The league is going to incur significant additional expenditures to best protect the integrity of our game as sports betting becomes more widespread, so the fee would go in part to pay those fees,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, vice president of fantasy and gaming for the NBA.
He was speaking during an appearance on MetroNews’ “Talkline.”
“Secondly, the league is going to be taking on additional risk as sports betting becomes more widespread in the United States and there’s additional risk to our brand. If anything happens, it’s going to be our brand that bears the brunt of it.”
The leagues suggested a 1 percent integrity fee, but have also agreed the number could be significantly less, possibly as low as .25 percent.
Currently the legislation offers nothing that would allow the sports leagues any involvement with the sports gaming industry in West Virginia.
Gov. Jim Justice allowed the bill to become law without his signature. The NBA has indicated a commitment from Justice to call a special session to take a closer look at allowing the sports organizations into the mix.
“What we’re asking is to have a voice because we are a key constituency in sports betting and we need to be a part of these conversations. Unfortunately, the bill in its current state just freezes the leagues out,” said Kaufman-Ross.
“The governor, we’re very grateful, has agreed to call a special session because he recognizes working together overall will provide a better sports betting program in West Virginia. That’s what we’re hoping this special session will achieve.”
Some lawmakers and racetrack officials have their doubts. The revenue from the gambling is expected to be on a tight margin to begin with and there appears to be little desire from the legislature to spread it any thinner.
Kaufman-Ross suggested however, a partnership would make for an improved product. He noted partnering with the professional brands will enable the industry to have access to the official data in real time, increasing the opportunities for in-game betting and reducing the chances of mistakes or discrepancies.
“It’s not that West Virginia can’t do it by themselves, it’s that nobody can do it by themselves,” he said. “We really need to be working together to best protect the integrity of the game and that’s in everybody’s best interest.”