Regulators from the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean will convene in Indianapolis next week for the annual conference of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and the Sports Betting Regulators Association (SBRA). The meeting will address critical challenges facing professional horse racing and sports wagering regulation amid evolving legal and governmental landscapes that threaten existing consumer protections. Key topics include the impact of artificial intelligence on equine welfare and responsible gaming, the rise of unsanctioned racing, interstate sports betting compacts, and the implications of recent federal indictments and court cases on the industry.
Notable speakers include Lonny Powell, who will discuss the future viability of horse racing, and Lisa Lazarus, who will highlight AI-driven efforts to identify at-risk horses. A panel featuring “America’s Bettors’ Voice” will explore why many gamblers avoid horse race betting. Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and ex-CNBC correspondent Ian McGinly will examine regulatory threats posed by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission’s actions on prediction markets. The conference will also honor industry veteran D.G. Van Clief, Jr. with ARCI’s highest award for his lifetime contributions.
