Sports

Like to bet on sports? You'll want to read this story

By William Wilkerson

Updated May 14, 2018 11:34 AM

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2015, file photo, odds are displayed on a screen at a sports book owned and operated by CG Technology in Las Vegas. More than a third of U.S. states are considering legalizing sports gambling if the Supreme Court overturns a federal law that has banned sports books in all but Nevada and three other states since 1992. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) John Locher, File AP Photo

It is a historic day for sports gamblers across the country as the United States Supreme Court agreed to allow New Jersey's bid for sports betting at its casinos and racetracks.

The Supreme Court has just ruled 7-2 to overturn the federal ban on sports gambling. It's a historic day in American sport.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 14, 2018

The ruling could allow as many as 25 other states to seek the same ruling.

"Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so, each State is free to act on its own."

Flood gates are open. 4 states already have laws in place ready for this moment (NJ, WV, PA & MS) and more than 20 are in line now.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 14, 2018

Back in 2012, the NCAA and four major professional sports leagues sued New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie after he signed legislation allowing sports betting in New Jersey. That law went against the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which makes it unlawful for a state to "sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, license, or authorize by "law" sports wagering.

"A great day for the rights of states and their people to make their own decisions," Christie said in a tweet. "New Jersey citizens wanted sport gambling and the federal Gov't had no right to tell them no. The Supreme Court agrees with us today. I am proud to have fought for the rights of the people of NJ."

Several states, including Nevada, had forms of sports betting when PASPA was implemented, which allowed those states to continue sports betting.

New Jersey, the state at the heart of the Supreme Court case, can probably start taking bets in a few weeks. A couple other states perhaps in the fall. But many legislatures are in recess or at the end of session so for many states it could be a year or more before it happens
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 14, 2018

This story was originally published May 14, 2018 at 9:25 AM with the headline "Like to bet on sports? You'll want to read this story."

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