Colorado Division of Gaming proposes wider exclusion rules for sports betting
Regulation2 min read
Colorado’s Division of Gaming is proposing stronger rules for adding patrons to the involuntary exclusion list. The changes would cover threats, certain convictions, prohibited sports betting and conduct that undermines confidence in gaming integrity. The division held a workshop on Thursday, with public comments open before the proposal goes to the Limited Gaming Control Commission.
Colorado’s Division of Gaming has proposed expanding the grounds for placing patrons on its involuntary exclusion list to include harassment and conduct affecting a game’s outcome.
Under the proposed rule, threats of physical harm to athletes and their immediate families, sports governing bodies and their employees, team staff, coaches and coaches’ immediate families could lead to exclusion. The same would apply to threats of physical harm to division staff or to employees or patrons of licensed gaming or sports betting establishments. Convictions for crimes against people in those categories and sports betting in contravention of section 44-30-1502, C.R.S., would also be considered.
A separate proposed change would cover manipulation or compromise of the integrity of gaming or sports betting when assessing whether a person’s reputation could harm public confidence that the industry is free from criminal or corrupt influences.
The NCAA joined the “Bad Actor” programme last month to address online harassment in college sports. Signify Group, IC360 and Fanatics Sportsbook launched the programme together in June. A coalition representing professional leagues and players’ associations wrote to state regulators in September, seeking tougher standards for people who harass or threaten others. Louisiana, Ohio and West Virginia are among the states that already have measures in place.
Colorado has 12 online sports betting platforms available statewide and retail sportsbooks in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. Chris Krieger, an investigator for the division, said a new harassment reporting tool was available under the sports betting tab on its website. Krieger said the division wanted more athletes to report harassment and to make clear that it could investigate.
The division held a rulemaking workshop on Thursday on additions to Rule 29, Section 30-2907. No operator representatives spoke at the meeting, and public comments remain open. The division will place the proposal on the Limited Gaming Control Commission’s agenda for approval.