Will it be a slam dunk for the US sports betting restriction?


4 December 2017


By Natalie Sherman


Business press reporter, New york city


A restriction on sports betting wagering in most US states could be reversed by a case being thought about by the Supreme Court.


The state of New Jersey is challenging the 1992 federal law that largely banned sports betting, explaining the matter as a "states' rights" issue.


The case, which started on Monday, comes after New Jersey residents voted in 2011 to legalise sports betting wagering.


A group of sports betting leagues opposes wagering on video games, which they fear will motivate match-fixing.


Lower courts have actually consistently ruled against New Jersey, saying it is within the federal government's power to limit a state's policy alternatives.


The Supreme Court opted to hear the case nonetheless amid a larger shift in American attitudes toward gaming.


Before 1976, Nevada - home of the Las Vegas strip - was the only state with legal casinos outside Native American lands.


But in recent years, states starving for tax revenue in the wake of the monetary crash have enacted a rash of looser sports betting laws, collecting large levies on gaming earnings.


There are now 24 states with business casinos - roughly double the number a decade earlier.


Despite the main restriction, which currently excuses Nevada and 3 other states, illegal sports betting wagering is swarming in the US.


Americans put about $154bn in illegal 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 states the UK is an example of a country where sports betting is prevalent.


"It's time for Washington to stop denying states of vital tax profits and enable them to reap the benefits of a regulated market," Mr Freeman said.


More than 15 states filed documents in support of New Jersey in the case. A handful have already passed laws to authorise sports betting in case of a change.


'Times have actually altered'


On Monday, as attorneys started arguments for the Supreme Court, some more conservative judges appeared sceptical of the existing law.


The court is anticipated to decide in June 2018.


"If we achieve success here we might have bets being taken in New Jersey within two weeks of a decision by the court," said outgoing New Jersey governor Chris Christie after attending the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're all set to go."


Despite the court's last ruling, Congress may likewise take up the dispute amidst wider conversation about online gaming and e-sports betting.


Even some of the professional sports betting leagues have actually started to change their positions on the question of gambling.


Adam Silver, National Basketball Association commissioner, supported a federal law that would create a consistent set of guidelines throughout the US. "Times have actually changed," he composed in a 2014 viewpoint piece, external.


Addicts fighting with mobile wagering


3 October 2017


The challenging problem of problem gambling


31 August 2017