A Guide to Legal Sports Betting
Across the U.S., states are mulling the idea of legalizing sports betting. Many are considering Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California as possible places to begin sports betting. In this article, we’ll take a look at the state laws surrounding the practice and the likelihood of it becoming legal in your state. After you’ve read our guide to legal sports betting, you’ll be better prepared to make your own decision. In addition, we’ll explain how legalizing sports betting will benefit players, and provide information on how to get involved in the process.
Legalization of sports betting in the U.S.
Sports betting is an increasingly popular form of gambling. In the United States, it brings in roughly $1 billion in sports wagers every year, with a 25 percent increase from the previous year. In a recent study, the National Council on Problem Gambling revealed that sports wagers have increased by 15.3 million in just 18 months. States are now racing to legalize sports betting, focusing on tax rates and regulatory bodies.
Proponents of legal sports betting in the United States have cited various benefits of legalization. The National Basketball Association and the Major League Baseball (MLB) lobbied for legalization, which Congress passed in 1992 with the support of major U.S. sports leagues. In January 2018, the NBA and MLB released “Model Legislation” in support of legal sports betting. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NBA), the NCAA, and the PGA Tour lobbied for legal sports betting, as they do in their respective countries.
Legalization of sports betting in California
Online and mobile sports betting are on the agenda for California in November. It would push the total addressable North American market to $37 billion. Currently, sports betting in California is illegal and only available at casinos. However, that could soon change with the passage of two ballot initiatives that would legalize sports betting. A recent poll by the University of California shows that 45% of voters support the initiative while 33% are opposed, leaving 22% undecided. Online sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel have both endorsed the initiative.
In 2008, the Supreme Court amended the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act to allow states to regulate and tax sports betting. While some states are moving ahead with this initiative, others have not enacted legislation allowing sports betting. Currently, only tribal casinos can legally offer sports betting. Most other states have passed laws allowing sports betting, including Nevada. While most states have legalized the sport, California has yet to do so.
Legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts
If Massachusetts passes the sports betting legislation, it will allow wagering on all college sports, but only on out-of-state teams. The bill does not allow casinos or simulcast facilities to partner with sportsbooks in the state. Although legalization is a long process, there are some good things to look forward to. Legalized sportsbooks will be regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and provide top-tier digital security. Also, they will offer a wide variety of wagering options, including betting on games like horse racing and football.
Since the 2019 legislative session, Massachusetts has made some progress toward legalizing sports betting. But similar efforts in the state in 2020 failed. There were many observers wondering what it would take to get the sports betting bill through the legislature. The result was a sluggish session in the state. However, there is hope for Massachusetts. Currently, a sports betting bill is headed to the conference committee. The committee will discuss and resolve any differences between the two bills. The final decision will be made in the fall of 2019.
Legalization of sports betting in Rhode Island
As the debate continues over whether sports betting is a good idea for Rhode Island, there are two competing viewpoints. One view is that Rhode Island voters approved sports betting in 2012 and again in 2016. The other view is that the state legislature made a reporting error on the estimated revenue from sports betting. If you look at the revenue projections, the state is on track to make at least $22.7 million in sports betting revenue.
In the past few years, Rhode Island voters have approved the legalization of casino gambling in two referendums, once in 2012 and again in 2016. The state has also voted in favor of online gambling, which is still illegal. However, online gambling is likely to be voted on soon in the state. In March 2019, state legislators approved legislation to allow statewide mobile betting. For now, Rhode Island is all-in for legalizing sports betting, so it is time to look into what the state will do next.