ESPN Releases Betting Guidelines
Author:
Jacob McKenzie
Ahead of ESPN Bet’s scheduled launch on November 14th, ESPN has issued sports betting guidelines for its employees. This move follows the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s approval for the platform’s launch, necessitating clearer directives on how ESPN network personalities can engage in discussions about wagering with their audience. The guidelines aim to regulate discussions around sports betting on the network.
In advance of ESPN Bet’s expected launch on November 14th, 2023, ESPN has sent out sports betting guidelines to its employees, after the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved the platform’s launch.
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Any Employees Violating Gambling Terms Can Be Immediately Terminated
ESPN, the renowned sports network, has recently unveiled a comprehensive set of sports betting guidelines for its employees ahead of the highly anticipated launch of ESPN Bet on November 14th. This strategic move by the network follows the green light received from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for the platform’s launch, highlighting a prerequisite for additional clarity on how ESPN personalities are permitted to engage with their audience regarding wagering discussions.
The guidelines, made public on Friday, seek to establish clear parameters for “prohibited betting activities” and serve as a go-to reference to ensure adherence to stipulated standards. A primary focus of these regulations is to address concerns regarding potential collaboration between the editorial and betting teams within the network.
ESPN emphasized the serious nature of compliance by stating its prerogative to terminate employment in the event of any violation of these terms. The guidelines also explicitly state that no employee involved in the coverage or business dealings with a sports league will be allowed to place bets on that particular league. Moreover, the regulations underscore the prohibition of employees leveraging insider information for gambling purposes. Additionally, ESPN staff members are restricted from wagering on awards and other betting markets that hinge on off-field metrics.
The rollout of these guidelines represents ESPN’s concerted effort to establish a robust framework for ethical conduct and compliance among its workforce, especially in the context of the impending launch of ESPN Bet. These guidelines seek to not only delineate the boundaries of permissible betting-related activities but also uphold the integrity and transparency of the network’s engagement with sports betting.
Included in Prohibited Activities is Disclosing Any Privileged Information
ESPN has unveiled a comprehensive set of stringent regulations outlining prohibited betting activities for its employees, coinciding with the imminent launch of ESPN Bet. These guidelines, revealed to staff, encompass a spectrum of stringent provisions aiming to uphold integrity, transparency, and journalistic ethics within the realm of sports betting.
Among the specified prohibitions, ESPN has explicitly prohibited employees from utilizing, sharing, or granting access to non-public information obtained through their jobs for any betting-related purposes. This encompasses actions such as influencing others to place bets or divulging sensitive information to any sportsbook operator. Additionally, the network strictly prohibits the utilization of proxy bettors, likening this act to the protocols applied to professional athletes. Similar to how athletes face suspension for instructing a third party to place bets on their behalf, ESPN employees are subject to stringent measures for such conduct.
The network emphasized its commitment to preserving journalistic integrity, underlining that no story should be reported, delayed, influenced, or withheld with the aim of manipulating betting lines. Furthermore, ESPN emphasized the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between its journalistic endeavors and the operations of a sportsbook, ensuring that there is no overlap or undue influence exerted on betting activities due to reporting decisions.
Addressing potential conflicts of interest, ESPN has strongly discouraged employees from engaging in any betting-related activities that could cast doubt on their integrity or that of the company. The guidelines aim to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and ethical conduct among ESPN staff, particularly in light of the impending launch of ESPN Bet. These directives underscore the network’s commitment to upholding journalistic integrity while navigating the landscape of sports betting.
Genius Sports Hired Former ESPN CEO in August 2021
Steve Bornstein, the former CEO of ESPN and a prominent figure in the sports broadcasting industry, has assumed the role of President of North American operations at Genius Sports, a leading sports data and technology provider. This move marks a significant addition to the company’s leadership team, signaling Bornstein’s intent to spearhead Genius Sports’ strategic expansion and further market penetration across the United States and Canada.
In his new capacity at Genius Sports, Bornstein is poised to leverage his extensive expertise and profound industry knowledge to navigate the company’s growth trajectory in North America. He is anticipated to play a pivotal role in charting the course for Genius Sports’ continued expansion within these critical markets.
Genius Sports, a key player in the sports data sector, boasts a diverse portfolio of partnerships and clients that include renowned entities like the National Football League, Nascar, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball. Bornstein’s leadership is expected to fortify existing relationships while fostering new collaborations within these prestigious sports entities.
Collaborating closely with the company’s executive team, Bornstein’s focus will extend beyond overseeing the existing operations. His role will also involve identifying strategic targets for potential acquisitions in the North American market. Additionally, Bornstein is poised to facilitate the seamless integration of newly acquired entities into the overarching Genius Sports ecosystem, following the company’s recent acquisition of Second Spectrum, a pioneer in data tracking and visualization solutions, in May 2021.
Bornstein’s appointment to this significant leadership role at Genius Sports signals the company’s commitment to further consolidating its presence and influence within the North American sports data and technology landscape. His vast experience and strategic vision are anticipated to steer Genius Sports towards continued innovation and success within the region.
State of New Jersey Rolled Out New Safer Gambling Resources in July 2023
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has taken proactive measures to address gambling-related issues by introducing two innovative tools aimed at assisting consumers in the state. These tools are part of a broader initiative to promote responsible gambling practices and offer support to individuals dealing with gambling-related harm.
The recently launched toll-free phone number serves as a convenient avenue for players seeking self-exclusion from gambling activities. It allows individuals to exclude themselves either from online gaming platforms or from both online and in-person gambling activities, catering to various preferences and needs.
In a bid to enhance accessibility and offer more tailored support, the DGE has introduced the option for users to schedule in-person appointments with DGE staff or engage in video conferences with responsible gaming personnel. This video conference feature enables individuals to seek assistance and address problem gambling concerns from the comfort of their homes, removing potential barriers to seeking help. Complementing these practical tools, the DGE has revamped its responsible gambling landing page on its website, transforming it into a comprehensive hub. This hub serves as a repository of vital information, offering resources for both players and operators alike.
Within this central hub, visitors can access essential information about self-exclusion, responsible gambling best practices for operators, and the DGE’s comprehensive responsible gaming regulations. Moreover, the updated website showcases annual reports prepared by Rutgers University, providing in-depth analyses of online gambling and sports wagering, and exploring play patterns across various players and bets.
Through the implementation of these user-friendly tools and the consolidation of valuable resources on its website, the DGE is reaffirming its dedication to fostering responsible gambling behaviors and extending support to those impacted by gambling-related harm across New Jersey. These initiatives underline the DGE’s commitment to creating a safer gambling environment while providing accessible avenues for individuals seeking help and guidance.
