Will it be a slam dunk for the US sports betting wagering ban?
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By Natalie Sherman
bit.ly
Business reporter, New York
A ban on sports betting wagering in many US states might be reversed by a case being considered by the Supreme Court.
The state of New Jersey is challenging the 1992 federal law that largely disallowed sports betting, explaining the matter as a "states' rights" issue.
The case, which began on Monday, follows New Jersey homeowners voted in 2011 to legalise sports betting wagering.
A group of sports betting leagues opposes banking on games, which they fear will motivate match-fixing.
Lower courts have consistently ruled against New Jersey, saying it is within the federal government's power to limit a state's policy alternatives.
The Supreme Court chose to hear the case however amid a broader shift in American mindsets towards sports betting.
Before 1976, Nevada - home of the Las Vegas strip - was the only state with legal gambling establishments outside Native American lands.
But over the last few years, states starving for tax revenue in the wake of the monetary crash have actually enacted a rash of looser gaming laws, large levies on sports betting income.
There are now 24 states with commercial gambling establishments - roughly double the number a years earlier.
Despite the official restriction, which currently exempts Nevada and three other states, prohibited sports betting is rife in the US.
Americans place about $154bn in prohibited sports betting bets every year, according to the American Gaming Association.
The association's president, Geoff Freeman, described the federal restriction, external as an "utter failure" previously this year.
It says the UK is an example of a country where sports betting is prevalent.
"It's time for Washington to stop denying states of important tax revenue and permit them to reap the benefits of a regulated market," Mr Freeman said.
More than 15 states filed papers in support of New Jersey in the event. A handful have already passed laws to authorise sports betting wagering in case of a modification.
'Times have actually altered'
On Monday, as lawyers began 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.
"If we succeed here we might have bets being taken in New Jersey within 2 weeks of a decision by the court," said outbound New Jersey guv Chris Christie after going to the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're prepared to go."
No matter the court's last judgment, Congress may also take up the dispute amidst more comprehensive discussion about online video gaming and e-sports betting.
Even a few of the professional sports betting leagues have actually started to change their positions on the question of gaming.
Adam Silver, National Basketball Association commissioner, supported a federal law that would produce a consistent set of guidelines across the US. "Times have altered," he wrote in a 2014 opinion piece, external.
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Will it be a Slam Dunk for the United States Sports Betting Ban?
kassandramccal edited this page 2025-01-02 05:48:12 +08:00