For some time now, states across the US have been considering the legalization of sports betting. A case is pending in the United States Supreme Court that could see sports betting legalized across the board. Currently, the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act restricts sports betting to just four states, with Nevada being the only provider of single sports wagering. If the court decides to rule in favor of New Jersey in the Christie vs. NCAA case, states with sports betting legislation in place will be ready to start offering services.
Recent reports reveal that Minnesota and Arizona are the latest states to consider sports betting legislation. A bill has yet to be produced but lawmakers have stated they are interested in considering the option.
Senator Sonny Borelli of Arizona has stated that he plans on supporting legislation for sports betting. The Senator sees how the state is sending money to other states that offer the option and that money would be better served staying in the state. Borelli would like to see funds produced from the option go to teachers in the state, who recently demanded a pay increase.
In Minnesota, Representative Pat Garofalo has plans to see sports betting come to life in his state. The representative has stated that there is a big demand for the activity in his state and he feels that there is danger in not being prepared for SCOTUS to rule in favor of the gaming option.
For now, we will have to wait and see if either state introduces legislation involving sports betting and wait for a ruling from the United States Supreme Court. Many feel that the Supreme Court will rule positively for sports betting, which would be a major change in the gambling industry for the nation. It would definitely be interesting to see how the US would fare with legalized sports betting. There is much money to be made in the industry, with hundreds of millions going to illegal bookmakers each an every year.
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