NHL backs lifetime betting bans for threats against athletes
Five major leagues and their players associations asked regulators in 35 states and Washington, D.C., to revoke wagering privileges for verified threats or abusive harassment.
The NHL and the NHL Players' Association joined four other major leagues and their players associations in asking state gambling regulators to permanently remove betting access from people verified to threaten or abusively harass athletes and others connected to games.
The letter was sent Tuesday to regulators in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA and Major League Soccer also signed it with their respective players associations. The Associated Press obtained a copy.
The leagues said regulated sports betting has created new ways for fans to engage, but has also led some losing bettors to direct threats and harassment at players, coaches and their families through social media and in person.
The proposal covers threats or abusive harassment involving professional or amateur athletes, coaches, officials, team employees and their families. It asks licensed sportsbooks and mobile betting operators to revoke wagering privileges permanently after the conduct is verified.
Ohio, West Virginia, Louisiana and Wyoming already exclude people described in the letter as bad actors from licensed sportsbooks and betting apps. The leagues and unions asked the other jurisdictions to adopt uniform rules and legislative safeguards.
