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

By Natalie Sherman
bit.ly
Business reporter, New York
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A ban on sports betting in many US states could be overturned by a case being thought about by the Supreme Court.

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

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

A group of sports betting leagues opposes banking on games, which they fear will encourage match-fixing.

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

The Supreme Court chose to hear the case however amid a wider shift in American attitudes 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 recently, states hungry for tax revenue in the wake of the financial crash have enacted a rash of looser gaming laws, collecting substantial levies on sports betting profits.

There are now 24 states with commercial casinos - roughly double the number a years back.

Despite the official restriction, which currently excuses Nevada and 3 other states, prohibited 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, described the federal restriction, external as an "utter failure" earlier this year.

It says the UK is an example of a nation where sports betting is commonplace.

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

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

'Times have altered'
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On Monday, as attorneys began arguments for the Supreme Court, some more conservative judges appeared sceptical of the existing law.

The court is expected to decide in June 2018.

"If we are successful here we might have bets being taken in New Jersey within 2 weeks of a choice by the court," said outbound New Jersey guv Chris Christie after attending the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're prepared to go."

Regardless of the court's final judgment, Congress might likewise take up the debate amidst broader about online gaming and e-sports betting.

Even a few of the professional sports betting leagues have started to change their positions on the concern of sports betting.

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

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