Will it be a slam dunk for the US sports betting wagering ban?
By Natalie Sherman
Business reporter, New York
A ban on sports betting in a lot of US states might be overturned by a case being thought about by the Supreme Court.
The state of New Jersey is challenging the 1992 federal law that mostly disallowed sports betting, describing the matter as a "states' rights" problem.
The case, which started on Monday, follows New Jersey residents enacted 2011 to legalise sports betting wagering.
A group of sports betting leagues opposes sports betting on games, which they fear will motivate match-fixing.
Lower courts have regularly ruled versus New Jersey, saying it is within the federal government's power to restrict a state's policy choices.
The Supreme Court opted to hear the case however in the middle of a broader shift in American mindsets towards sports betting.
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Before 1976, Nevada - home of the Las Vegas strip - was the only state with legal gambling establishments outside Native American lands.
But recently, states hungry for tax earnings in the wake of the monetary crash have enacted a rash of looser gaming laws, collecting significant levies on gaming income.
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There are now 24 states with business casinos - approximately double the number a years ago.
Despite the official restriction, which currently exempts Nevada and 3 other states, illegal sports betting wagering is swarming in the US.
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Americans put about $154bn in prohibited sports betting bets every year, according to the American Gaming Association.
The association's president, Geoff Freeman, described the federal ban, external as an "utter failure" earlier this year.
It says the UK is an example of a nation where sports betting is prevalent.
"It's time for Washington to stop depriving states of critical tax revenue and enable them to enjoy the benefits of a regulated market," Mr Freeman said.
More than 15 states submitted papers in support of New Jersey in the case. A handful have actually already passed laws to authorise sports betting in case of a change.
'Times have altered'
On Monday, as attorneys began arguments for the Supreme Court, some more conservative judges appeared sceptical of the existing law.
The court is to decide in June 2018.
"If we achieve success here we could have bets being taken in New Jersey within two weeks of a decision by the court," said outbound New Jersey governor Chris Christie after attending the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're prepared to go."
No matter the court's last judgment, Congress may likewise take up the debate amid wider conversation about online video gaming and e-sports betting.
Even some of the expert sports betting leagues have actually begun to change their positions on the question of sports betting.
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Adam Silver, National Basketball Association commissioner, supported a federal law that would create an uniform set of guidelines across the US. "Times have changed," he wrote in a 2014 viewpoint piece, external.
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Will it be a Slam Dunk for the US Sports Betting Ban?
Troy Manley edited this page 2025-01-04 00:27:23 +00:00