Dave & Buster’s, a well-known restaurant and arcade chain in the United States, is expanding its services by adding a new betting feature on its mobile app.
Introduction of betting features at Dave & Buster’s
This feature will allow users to place bets on two popular games within the chain’s entertainment lineup: Hot Shots basketball and Skee-Ball. This initiative is part of Dave & Buster’s strategy to tap into the rapidly growing gambling market, which has seen significant expansion over the past five years.
Regulatory challenges and state-level responses
However, the announcement of these betting features has drawn immediate scrutiny from various stakeholders, including regulators, lawmakers, and industry professionals, particularly in Nevada. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has expressed clear opposition, indicating that Dave & Buster’s cannot proceed with these wagering options as initially announced. The concern is particularly acute in Nevada, a state synonymous with gambling, where regulatory frameworks are robustly enforced to prevent unlicensed gaming operations.
The NGCB’s chairman, Kirk Hendrick, communicated directly with Dave & Buster’s management, emphasizing the state’s strict stance against activities that might promote underage gambling or involve businesses that attract a significant number of minors. This response reflects a broader caution against the potential risks associated with gambling in family-friendly environments.
Additionally, the backlash is not confined to Nevada. In Illinois, a bipartisan bill was introduced earlier this month aiming to ban gambling activities in family entertainment centers. Illinois State Rep. Daniel Didech highlighted the challenges these businesses face in implementing effective safeguards against problem gambling and the risks of exposing young adults to gambling. Similar concerns have been raised in Ohio, where the state’s gaming regulator has indicated that Dave & Buster’s proposed betting feature might violate existing laws.
As Dave & Buster’s navigates these challenges, the future of its betting features remains uncertain, with state-level regulations posing significant barriers to the company’s expansion into the gambling sector.
