Today, most Americans can get involved with sports betting, but it hasn’t always been like that. In the beginning, Nevada had a monopoly on sports betting, but now state after state is choosing to legalize sports betting, making it easier for any American to try their hands at betting, but how has this change come to be?
Sports betting is a profitable industry, and naturally many people want a slice of the cake. It is therefore no surprise that other states want to join in the fun, but why have 49 states of America waited this long to legalize sports betting?
Why was sports betting illegal in most states?
In the 19th century horse race betting was a popular activity in America, but in the early 20th century bookmaking became illegal, thus making all kinds of gambling illegal, including horse race betting. But even though gambling was now illegal, it didn’t stop people from placing bets. Gambling became a criminal activity led by gangsters. Even though Nevade legalized sports betting in 1949, gambling and sports betting was now associated with shady business and gangsters.
Furthermore, point-shaving scandals in the 50’s and up to the 80’s made it difficult to create trust between organized sports and sports betting. Any sport organization with respect for itself argued against sports gambling. According to SBnation.com the PASPA was signed in 1992 which required the states to inform the government if they wished to either legalize of illegalize sports gambling. Nevada was the only state that chose full gambling opportunities, while three states chose limited gambling, leaving 46 states with a full gambling ban.
The supreme court ruling
In 2011 New Jersey voted for sports betting, but major sports leagues sued in the attempt to prevent sports betting. The case was taken to the supreme court and in 2018 the supreme court ruled that the PASPA had been unconstitutional by commandeering states by preventing them from regulating their own issues. This opened a door for states to change their gambling laws, which has prompted a domino effect across America. More and more states have legalized sports betting, and some are still in the process of loosening the rules surrounding sports betting.
A profitable business
As sports betting is becoming more popular, more states will be willing to legalize it. Sports betting is no longer associated with criminal activities. It is a part of the sports experience. Fans are not just enjoying the game or the sporting event, they are enjoying the ancient tradition of placing a bet on the winning horse. If you are curious about sports betting, you can find out more on betting.com/us/. Here you can find sportsbooks and read about the latest sports betting predictions, so you have the best chances of winning your bet.
Although sports betting is spreading across America, this will not be the last change in American sports. Go to archyde.com/category/sport/ and read the latest news within sport.