In 1992, Congress enacted PASPA, a federal law banning sports betting. However, the ban was later found to be unconstitutional on Tenth Amendment grounds. Former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch attempted to amend the law by introducing the Sports Wagering Market Integrity Act of 2018. The bill would have created a clearinghouse for state sports betting markets and set federal standards for state-run sports betting. However, the bill had no legs and passed the Senate only symbolically. During lame-duck session, Hatch reintroduced the Sports Wagering Market Integrity Act, a bill that would have created a clearinghouse for state-run sports betting markets.
Legalized sports betting
A state study is underway in Vermont to see if legalized sports betting is worth the effort. In his January budget address, Vermont Governor Phil Scott suggested legalizing sports betting and said the state must study the issue thoroughly to ensure public safety. He said that around 140,000 residents in the state currently wager on sports illegally.
While maximizing state tax revenue is the state’s primary motivation, betting integrity should be a major concern for all stakeholders. The biggest issue states face is determining what tax rate to charge and what regulatory body will oversee the sports betting industry. It’s important to keep in mind that the sports leagues are also interested in sports betting revenue.
The issue of legalized sports betting has divided Congress and state legislatures. There are a variety of stakeholders, including Native American tribes, casinos, and sports leagues. Some states have banned sports betting entirely, while others have allowed it. Others have passed laws that have limited how much can be bet on college games.
Legalization of sports betting in California
A few years ago, Assemblyman Adam Gray had been waiting for a chance to pursue legalization of sports betting in the Golden State. In July 2017, he introduced Constitutional Amendment ACA 18 that would allow sports betting in California. He saw the measure as a placeholder for a Supreme Court ruling on the issue. ACA 18 would allow sports betting in California and would go before voters during the November election.
While there are several forces at work in California, the odds of a successful sports betting initiative in 2022 are slim. The state is home to a large number of stakeholders and the state’s largest casinos and horse-racing tracks are in the middle of a legal contest.
Legalization of sports betting in New Jersey
The legalization of sports betting in New Jersey came about when a state referendum approved its legalization in 2011. Governor Chris Christie signed the legislation and the Division of Gaming Enforcement issued regulations. This allowed sports betting to start in casinos, online betting sites, and even on mobile devices. Since then, the sports betting industry in New Jersey has grown by leaps and bounds.
The New Jersey state government is committed to ensuring that the industry is safe and fair. It is partnering with the Division of Gaming Enforcement to make sure that operators abide by the new laws. The NJRC has worked with the state’s gaming regulators to develop regulations and a transparent market.
Earlier this year, Gov. Christie led a lawsuit against the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which barred states from regulating sports betting. This lawsuit was successful and allowed NJ to issue licenses to sports bookmakers. As a result, NJ sports betting has become the biggest sports betting market in the nation. By 2021, this industry is expected to reach $11 billion in revenue.
