Will it be a slam dunk for the US sports betting restriction?
By Natalie Sherman
Business reporter, New York
A restriction on sports betting in a lot of US states might be overturned by a case being considered by the Supreme Court.
The state of New Jersey is challenging the 1992 federal law that mainly banned sports betting gambling, describing the matter as a "states' rights" problem.
The case, which began on Monday, follows New Jersey locals voted in 2011 to legalise sports betting.
A group of sports betting leagues opposes wagering on video 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 limit a state's policy options.
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The Supreme Court decided to hear the case however amidst a larger shift in American attitudes toward gambling.
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 revenue in the wake of the financial crash have actually enacted a rash of looser sports betting laws, gathering significant levies on gambling income.
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There are now 24 states with commercial gambling establishments - roughly double the number a years earlier.
Despite the official ban, which already excuses Nevada and 3 other states, illegal sports betting is rife in the US.
Americans position about $154bn in illegal sports betting bets every year, according to the American Gaming Association.
The association's president, Geoff Freeman, explained the federal restriction, external as an "utter failure" previously this year.
It says the UK is an example of a nation where sports betting wagering is prevalent.
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"It's time for Washington to stop depriving states of critical tax earnings and permit them to reap the rewards of a regulated market," Mr Freeman stated.
More than 15 states filed 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 actually changed'
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On Monday, as legal representatives started arguments for the Supreme Court, some more conservative judges appeared sceptical of the existing law.
The court is expected to make a decision in June 2018.
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"If we achieve success here we might have bets being taken in New Jersey within 2 weeks of a decision by the court," said outgoing New Jersey governor Chris Christie after going to the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're all set to go."
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Despite the court's final judgment, Congress may also use up the debate amidst broader conversation about online gaming and e-sports betting.
Even a few of the professional sports betting leagues have actually begun to change their positions on the concern of gambling.
Adam Silver, National Basketball Association commissioner, supported a federal law that would create a consistent set of guidelines across the US. "Times have actually changed," he wrote in a 2014 viewpoint piece, external.
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Will it be a Slam Dunk for the United States Sports Betting Ban?
fideljarrell3 edited this page 2025-01-02 17:57:55 +08:00