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

By Natalie Sherman

Business press reporter, New york city

A restriction on sports betting in most US states could be reversed by a case being thought about by the Supreme Court.

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

The case, which started on Monday, comes after New Jersey locals enacted 2011 to legalise sports betting wagering.

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

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

The Supreme Court decided to hear the case however amidst a broader shift in American attitudes toward gaming.

Before 1976, Nevada - home of the Las Vegas strip - was the only state with legal gambling establishments outside Native American lands.

But in the last few years, states hungry for tax revenue in the wake of the financial crash have actually enacted a rash of looser sports betting laws, levies on sports betting revenue.

There are now 24 states with commercial casinos - roughly double the number a decade back.
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Despite the official ban, which currently exempts Nevada and 3 other states, unlawful sports betting is swarming in the US.

Americans position about $154bn in unlawful 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.
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It states the UK is an example of a country where sports betting is commonplace.

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

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

'Times have actually altered'

On Monday, as attorneys started arguments for the Supreme Court, some more conservative judges appeared sceptical of the existing law.

The court is anticipated to decide in June 2018.

"If we achieve success here we could have bets being taken in New Jersey within 2 weeks of a decision by the court," said outgoing New Jersey guv Chris Christie after participating in the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're all set to go."

Despite the court's last ruling, Congress might also take up the argument amid broader conversation about online video gaming and e-sports betting.

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

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