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


4 December 2017


By Natalie Sherman


Business reporter, New york city


A restriction on sports betting wagering in the majority of US states could be reversed by a case being considered by the Supreme Court.


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


The case, which began on Monday, follows New Jersey locals enacted 2011 to legalise sports betting.


A group of sports betting leagues opposes wagering on video games, which they fear will encourage 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 decided to hear the case nevertheless amid a larger shift in American attitudes towards gambling.


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


But in the last few years, states starving for tax income in the wake of the financial crash have enacted a rash of looser gaming laws, gathering significant levies on gambling profits.


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


Despite the main ban, which currently excuses Nevada and 3 other states, unlawful sports betting wagering 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 is prevalent.


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


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


'Times have changed'


On Monday, as lawyers 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 succeed here we could have bets being taken in New Jersey within 2 weeks of a choice by the court," said outbound New Jersey governor Chris Christie after attending the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're all set to go."


No matter the court's final judgment, Congress might likewise use up the debate in the middle of more comprehensive conversation about online video gaming and e-sports betting.


Even some of the expert sports betting leagues have started to alter their positions on the concern of gaming.


Adam Silver, National Basketball Association commissioner, supported a federal law that would produce a consistent set of rules throughout the US. "Times have actually changed," he wrote in a 2014 opinion piece, external.


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