US Supreme Court Ends Federal Ban on Sports Betting


By TheNuts - May 15, 2018

Supreme Court

US Supreme Court Ends Federal Ban on Sports Betting

On Monday the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of ending the long standing federal ban on sports betting. The decision is a major victory for States like New Jersey that are eager to increase revenue, and will undoubtedly change the landscape for bettors across the country. 

The ‘Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act’ of 1992 prohibited sports betting in all but four States where it was already legalized: Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon. Congress permitted a one-year opening from the commencement of the PASPA for additional States to pass regulations, however, none did and the window closed. In the 25 years since, legal sports betting has been restricted to the four original States.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote in Monday's opinion: “Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so, each State is free to act on its own”. 

States may now pursue sports betting as they see fit.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie originally took up the cause, and the decision today was celebrated by his successor, Phil Murphy. Murphy, and other residents of the Garden State, are hopeful that the ruling and subsequent sports betting revenue will help turn around their wavering economy. It is unclear if other States will follow suit, but the ball is back in their court.

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