Governor Guinn asked that I assist this committee as a representative of our state's gaming control system. I am aware of the various allegations that have been lodged against Nevada casinos and their sports books. I respectfully suggest that those allegations have a basis more in myth than in fact. There is nothing in the record that indicates legalized sports wagering in Nevada has compromised the integrity of any athletic contest at any time or place. Not one college sports scandal is the result of legal sports wagering.
Legal sports wagering in Nevada is dwarfed by illegal sports wagering outside the state.
These figures also speak to the American appetite for, and acceptance of, sports wagering. Instead, we will simply drive the betting activity underground, away from the one place where it is currently taxed, strictly regulated and purged of the credit, collection and predatory excesses of illegal bookmaking operations. I am not here as a defender of Nevada's gaming industry. I am here, however, as the chief gaming regulator in our state. I come before you to present the facts about a gaming control system that has evolved over more than 50 years to become the model for jurisdictions around the world.