It’s been a little over a year since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a 1992 federal law that banned commercial sports betting. As a result, over $9 billion has already been legally bet on sports throughout Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Rhode Island.
Last year, New Jersey anticipated the Supreme Court’s decision, and the state’s casinos and racetracks have raked in nearly $3 billion since June 2018; this is an astonishing number, which makes it clear that the state has benefited greatly from the integration of legal sports betting.
Flipping the Nay-Sayers
There are some who have condemned the Court’s decision due to a mounting concern of gambling endangering the integrity of professional sports. Recently, the concern of game-fixing long-held by the NCAA and America’s largest sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL) has mostly been assuaged by the fact that there is no conclusive evidence that game-fixing would run rampant. Additionally, it is accepted that there is plenty of money to be made through legal sports betting and its regulation could actually allow sports leagues and sportsbooks to monitor patterns and flag betting irregularities that could point to areas of corruption. This possibility would discourage illegal match-fixing attempts because all bets would be out in the open.
In a more subjective argument, the legalization of sports betting could potentially increase viewership, attendance, and interest for more sporting events throughout the year. With more on the line than your city’s pride, there will be more to root for each game regardless of team-allegiance. If the Philadelphia Eagles are visiting the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, San Diego Chargers’ fans could still have a vested interest in the final outcome, as well as other in-game statistics. This could drive viewership ratings and create a less-geographically-segregated fan-base.
Celebrating the Year
In the last year, gambling for sports in Monmouth, NJ, and throughout the state, has created a surge of revenue for many casinos, racetracks, and data companies. Let’s take a look at some of the most important moments and sporting events since the Court ruling.
These events are only the beginning in the world of legalized sports gambling: an exciting prospect. However, if you need help maintaining healthy practices for sports gambling in or around East Rutherford, NJ, or anywhere else in the state, CCGNJ is available as a helpful resource and support system. Please feel free to call our 24/7 confidential helpline today.
Sources
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/14/us/politics/supreme-court-sports-betting-new-jersey.html