NCLGS Panel to Discuss Emerging Threats

from Expansion of Illegal Gambling Economy

SAN DIEGO, CA: As illegal gambling evolves far beyond traditional offshore sportsbooks and underground operations, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) will convene a panel of regulators, academics and industry experts to explore the growing challenges posed by today’s unlicensed marketplace, taking place at the upcoming Summer Meeting, July 8-11 at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego.

The session, “NCLGS International Committee: Illegal Gambling Home and Abroad,” will examine the rapid expansion of illegal gambling channels, including offshore online casinos, crypto-based prediction markets, sweepstakes platforms, unregulated skill games, and illegal retail gaming machines. Panelists will also discuss the increasing role of overseas operators that target U.S. consumers while remaining largely beyond the reach of traditional state enforcement mechanisms.

Topics will include consumer protection, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, tax leakage, the proliferation of illegal gaming devices, and the challenges posed by international operators and emerging technologies.

Representative Chris Kannady of Oklahoma will chair the panel, which features:



• Julie Brown, Chair & Commissioner, Florida Gaming Control Commission
• Anthony Cabot, Distinguished Fellow in Gaming Law, UNLV
• Fred Gushin, President and CEO of Spectrum Gaming Group
• Ryan Mindell, Director of State Government Relations, FanDuel
• Nicolas Sorin, Regional Director, Sharp Vision

This session is part of a robust program that includes:

• Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman, Mike Dreitzer, Keynote Luncheon Address
• General Session – Prediction Markets (extended session)
• General Session – Sports Betting in America: Risks, Rewards, and the Road Ahead (extended session)
• Joint Committee on Casinos & Indian Gaming Sovereignty – Sports Betting & the Future of Tribal Gaming: A California Conversation
• General Session – State Attorneys General on the Docket
• Pari‑Mutuel Committee – The Road Ahead: Decoupling, HHR and HISA
• Special Committee on Taxes – Balancing Revenue, Competition and Sustainability in Modern Gaming
• Committee on Lottery
• Committee on Responsible Gambling, featuring a presentation from Parents Standing Together
• Committee on Emerging Forms of Gaming – Does Regulation Stifle Innovation? Legislative Considerations for Rapidly Evolving Gaming Industry

The meeting will conclude with a Legislator/Regulator Roundtable, presented in partnership with the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA).

Sponsorship opportunities remain for organizations seeking to engage directly with lawmakers and industry leaders during this milestone 30th anniversary year.

The NCLGS Summer Meeting will feature two evening receptions, July 8^th and 9^th, as well as a late-night event (sponsored by FanDuel), taking place July 9^th at nearby Rustic Root Gaslamp. These gatherings offer legislators, regulators, and gaming industry stakeholders the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships outside of the formal meeting sessions – an important complement to the policy discussions and educational programming that define the NCLGS experience.

NCLGS meetings are produced and organized by Spectrum Gaming Group, which serves as Executive Director and has supported the organization’s growth for more than a decade.

For more information, visit NCLGS.org



Key Contacts:

Sponsorship: Josh Faber

Events: Jenna Wheeler

Legislative: Wayne Marlin

Media: Sherry Amos

NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss gaming-related issues. The NCLGS semiannual meetings, which are open to the public, attract numerous state legislators as well as regulators, gaming operators and suppliers, attorneys, lobbyists, media, and other stakeholders to discuss all aspects of regulated gaming, as well as the risk implications of unregulated gaming. NCLGS meetings are proudly produced and organized by Spectrum Gaming Group, which serves as Executive Director.

2026 Summer Meeting Sponsors

MEDIA PARTNERS

NCLGS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR