UNITED STATES—Earlier this year, the United States Supreme voted 6-3 in favor of striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. In layman terms, this means that the power to legalize sports betting would lie only with the state government rather than the federal government. As such, it was expected soon after the court ruling that many states would go on to legalize sports betting as its always been viewed as an easy and convenient way of generating revenue.
Though many people expected the sports betting environment to be free flowing, not many thought it would be as quick as has been the case recently. Just a few months after the ruling, Delaware and Nevada are already accepting sports betting wagers and Pennsylvania and West Virginia have already legalized sports betting though they are yet to accept wagers. New Jersey also recently started to accept bets thanks to the official opening of 888sport in the USA. While 888 Sport has an existing presence in the US, this is the first time that the operator will be offering sports betting services.
The Future of Sports Betting in the US
The decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act had a desired effect thus far to all those affected which were mostly bettors and betting companies. As such, it’s wise to say it was a masterstroke by the Supreme Court.
Legalization of Sports Betting to Sports Fans
The removal of the ban on sports betting is a huge win for sports fans across the country. Sports fans in the US are happy with the decision as they have been given an opportunity to express their love for sports even further than just paying for subscriptions or gate fees. Indirectly, this is also a huge advantage for them as they can indirectly help to develop their state as their wagers will one way or the other, find a way to the state treasury.
Legalization of Sports Betting to Betting Companies
The rhetoric by sports betting companies in their call to force the federal government to recognize online betting, has always been the need to give sports fans the opportunity to express themselves. However, apart from this, there is also the issue of profits. As online betting sites are now legally recognized in the country, they can now freely come up with robust and aggressive marketing strategies to lure more customers in and in turn, increase their year on year profits. The legalization of sports betting will also allow the entry of more betting companies, hence more revenue to the state and more choices to the gambler.
Legalization of Sports Betting to the State
Firstly, the legalization of sports betting means that the state will no longer be involved in unnecessary squabbles with betting companies and bettors alike. The time previously lost debating and fighting sports betting will now be used to do productive work. However, most importantly, the legalization of sports betting means a new revenue generating system for the state. As many US states have been clamoring for more streams of revenue, they can find joy in the fact that one such stream has just popped up.
Legalization of Sports Betting to Other Regions
There is no argument that the US is a major pacesetter in the world in almost all facets. Whatever is discovered or whatever becomes a trend in the US will in one way or the other reach other regions and influence activities in that particular part of the world. As such, the decision to legalize sports betting will play a major role in the legalization of sports betting in other countries. As it stands, there are already talks that most Asian countries which currently don’t recognize sports betting are thinking of legalizing sports betting. Therefore, this means that the legalization of sports betting in the US will inevitably lead to similar moves in other countries across the globe.
