Racing Commissioners Conference Kicks Off April 8

Regulators from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean will meet in Indianapolis, Ind., next week to discuss major challenges facing professional horse racing and the regulation of wagering on all sports at a time when the courts and government agencies can radically alter the consumer protections that currently exist in gambling markets. The annual conference of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and its affiliate Sports Betting Regulators Association kicks off on Wednesday, April 8, at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis with a keynote address by longtime racing industry leader Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and past ARCI president, racing regulator, wagering company executive, who has served in almost every possible position during a lengthy career in the industry. Powell will bluntly address the issues challenging the survivability of professional horse racing and what must be done going forward. The impact, opportunities, and threats posed by artificial intelligence will be center stage when Lisa Lazarus, the CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, discusses HISA's investment in new ways to identify "at risk" horses and what the future may look like for equine welfare in racing. Using "AI" to ensure responsible gaming will also be discussed as will the potential negative ramifications of predatory advertising. Perhaps the most interesting panel will feature the leaders of "America's Bettors' Voice," the national organization of bettors who will discuss not only sports betting issues faced by customers but will address the answer as to why many gamblers avoid betting on horse races. Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former CNBC correspondent Ian McGinly will discuss the moves by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission affecting prediction markets that would decimate the consumer protections currently provided by the state regulation of horse and sports betting and the chaos that could result if they continue on their current path. Unsanctioned racing, interstate compacts for sports betting and quarter horse racing, greater accountability as a result of the federal sports betting indictments, computer assisted wagering, and the status of a growing list of pending court cases that could dramatically affect regulators and wagering industries will all be featured. The group will also honor the lifetime achievements of long-time industry leader D.G. Van Clief Jr. who will be presented ARCI's highest award for the profound impact he has had on the industry. The complete conference agenda is available on the ARCI website www.arci.com. Those interested in attending may still register.