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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Dianna Russini and BetUS announced a weekly show called “The Russini Report” on BetUS TV.
- BetUS has received cease-and-desist orders from 11 states.
- BetUS is an offshore sportsbook founded in Costa Rica in 1994.
Dianna Russini’s partnership with BetUS has drawn criticism over the offshore sportsbook’s U.S. regulatory status, according to the New York Post. The outlet reports that BetUS does not have an authorization to operate or accept bets or deposits in the United States.
The partnership centers on a weekly show, “The Russini Report,” on BetUS TV. The gambling issue behind the backlash is the distinction between a sportsbook’s public visibility and its authorization to take U.S. bets.
BetUS partnership puts offshore enforcement in focus
The New York Post reports that 11 states have issued cease-and-desist orders against BetUS. Those enforcement actions form the regulatory backdrop to the criticism of Russini’s partnership.
BetUS dates to 1994, when it was founded in Costa Rica. The Post traces the broader offshore sportsbook industry’s growth to call centers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The internet later gave those businesses a way to advertise and take bets from U.S. customers.
Payment restrictions and player protections
The Post cites the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 in explaining restrictions on unauthorized offshore sportsbooks accepting payments through credit cards, checks and electronic fund transfers.
The consumer-protection distinction is also central to the controversy. Legal U.S. sportsbooks are obligated to protect customer funds and data privacy and maintain responsible gambling practices. However, offshore sportsbooks are not subject to those same obligations.
Source: As reported by New York Post.
