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

By Natalie Sherman
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Business press reporter, New York

A restriction on sports betting wagering in most US states might be overturned by a case being considered by the Supreme Court.

The state of New Jersey is challenging the 1992 federal law that mainly forbade sports betting gaming, describing the matter as a "states' rights" problem.

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 encourage match-fixing.

Lower courts have consistently ruled versus New Jersey, saying it is within the federal government's power to restrict a choices.

The Supreme Court decided to hear the case however amid a broader shift in American mindsets toward sports betting.
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Before 1976, Nevada - home of the Las Vegas strip - was the only state with legal gambling establishments outside Native American lands.

But in recent years, states hungry for tax revenue in the wake of the financial crash have actually enacted a rash of looser sports betting laws, collecting hefty levies on gambling income.
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There are now 24 states with commercial gambling establishments - roughly double the number a years back.

Despite the official restriction, which currently excuses Nevada and 3 other states, illegal sports betting is swarming in the US.

Americans put about $154bn in unlawful sports betting bets every year, according to the American Gaming Association.
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The association's president, Geoff Freeman, explained the federal restriction, external as an "utter failure" earlier this year.

It says the UK is an example of a country where sports betting is commonplace.
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"It's time for Washington to stop denying states of important tax revenue and enable them to gain the rewards of a regulated market," Mr Freeman stated.

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

'Times have actually altered'

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

The court is expected 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 outbound New Jersey guv Chris Christie after going to the court hearing. "We're prepared in New Jersey - we're prepared to go."

Regardless of the court's final ruling, Congress might likewise take up the debate amid wider conversation about online video gaming and e-sports betting.

Even some of the professional sports betting leagues have begun to alter their positions on the question of gambling.

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

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