Stinson Attorneys Author Law360 Article on Sports Betting Scrutiny Facing Teams and Leagues

12.23.2025

Law360 published an article by Stinson Partners Bernadette Sargeant, Aalok Sharma and Naima Starks examining the expanding regulatory, compliance and investigative risks facing sports organizations as scrutiny of sports betting operations intensifies nationwide. Stinson Partner Reginald Harris also contributed to the article.

In "Sports Gambling Scrutiny Expands Risks For Teams, Leagues," the authors analyze recent enforcement activity, including actions by state attorneys general and federal prosecutors, and explain how such activity has increased the potential legal and reputational exposure for league and team front offices. The article emphasizes the importance of proactive compliance programs, clear codes of conduct, and well-defined internal investigation protocols, given the rapidly changing environment.

The authors further explain how sports organizations should operationalize these compliance efforts by enhancing internal controls, employee training, reporting structures and investigative readiness as access to sports betting continues to expand. They note that organizations should be ready to respond swiftly and strategically to potential violations, including conducting privileged internal investigations and evaluating disclosure obligations when misconduct is identified.

Sargeant is an experienced investigator and litigator, guiding clients through sensitive internal investigations and complex litigation. She handles workplace and government investigations and helps clients navigate regulatory compliance and ethics requirements.

Sharma has extensive experience in litigation and regulatory matters, serving clients ranging from individuals and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across diverse industries, including gaming, sports, hospitality, construction, finance, health care, retail and manufacturing.

Starks' practice focuses on handling litigation, compliance, governance and transactional matters across a variety of industries including higher education, sports and entertainment, and apparel. She also has a specialty practice representing professional and collegiate athletes in Name, Image and Likeness sponsorship, marketing and agency deals.

Harris provides strategic counsel and representation in internal investigations, corporate compliance matters, white collar criminal defense and civil trial litigation. He has extensive experience investigating allegations of workplace safety violations, employment discrimination, financial misconduct and regulatory noncompliance.

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