Sports Betting – Is Sports Betting Legal?
Sports books have been a huge part of American culture for years. Many people like to wager on their favorite team or player to win big. While the NFL is the most popular sport, the NBA draws a lot of bets, too. The NBA playoffs and Finals often draw more wagers than any other event. In addition to the NBA, many people love the NHL. If you’re interested in betting on your favorite team, you can bet on its next Stanley Cup run.
Legalized sports betting in Illinois
While many states have allowed online gambling, Illinois is an exception. The state has a long history of gambling laws, but the Zalewski bill legalized sports betting in Illinois in 2018. During the 2018 legislative session, 5 bills were introduced, none of which passed. While none of these bills were voted on, they paved the way for future legislation. Rep. Mike Zalewski introduced a bill that incorporated a number of unusual provisions, including high fees for bettors and an 18-month window for retail sportsbooks. However, online sportsbook operators were unimpressed by the bill and argued that it would hamper their business.
Legalized sports betting in Indiana
Despite the controversy surrounding gambling on sports, a new poll shows that a majority of Hoosier voters support legalized sports betting in Indiana. The IUPUI Sports Innovation Institute, in conjunction with the research firm Qualtrics, conducted an online Indy Sports Poll. It found that 46 percent of respondents support legalized sports betting in Indiana, while 28 percent said they oppose it. Another 26 percent said they did not have an opinion.
Legalized sports betting in New Jersey
If you are a fan of American sports, legalized sports betting in New Jersey is for you. This state sits between Philadelphia and New York City, so there’s no shortage of local teams to root for. Top sportsbooks in the state feature all the major pro sports, including baseball, basketball, and football, and other in-state teams also draw plenty of betting interest. However, the law does restrict you from placing wagers on in-state teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers.
Legalized sports betting in Colorado
In April, the Colorado Division of Gaming reported collecting $1.1 million in state taxes from bettors. During the same month, Colorado sportsbooks collected $241.9 million in handle. There are currently 25 retail sportsbooks and 19 internet operators licensed in the state. Hopefully, these numbers will continue to grow. And who knows, maybe the NFL, college basketball, and March Madness will see a spike in betting action. But in the meantime, the legalized sports betting market in Colorado is still in its infancy.
Legalized sports betting in Arizona
Arizona’s state legislators recently passed House Bill 2772 to legalize sports betting. Governor Doug Ducey signed the bill into law. According to the law, Arizona will have no more than 20 licensed sportsbooks. Ten of these sportsbooks will be affiliated with Native American tribes or professional sports teams. This will result in more tax revenue for the state. While some experts are skeptical that sports betting will ever become a big business in Arizona, there are some who think it will.