New Push For Online Gambling In The U.S.
Added: Feb. 27, 2017
In a bit of good news for fans of online gambling action, there are no less than three states actively contemplating some sort of legalized online gambling action. Whether this is the result of a newfound optimism or an acceptance that online casino players will find a way to enjoy online gambling sites legalized or not.
So here is what this is all about. The states of New York, Michigan and even South Carolina all have introduced various legislation to their respective legislative bodies. Taking a closer look at the details reveals some rather interesting details.
Take for example the Bill introduced by New York State Senator Tony Avella. Avella’s Bill as currently worded would specifically exempt online sports betting action from the New York state law that effectively prohibits gambling. In a bit of side drama, take note of the fact the Avella has publicly announced that he intends to challenge Bill de Blasio in the upcoming New York City mayoral election.
Moving on to the state of South Carolina, take note that there is similarly worded legislation. As currently worded, the South Carolina Bill contains language that will in effect amend the South Carolina state constitution. Incidentally, it is important to understand that both the New York and the South Carolina proposed legislation will require the approval of the electorate.
Yet another state boldly moving forward on the online gambling front is that of Michigan. Not exactly a hotbed of online gambling controversy to be sure. Nevertheless, there is a recently introduced Bill that if passed, will submit a referendum to Michigan voters. This referendum will ask the electorate to decide whether or not legalized sports betting should be legalized. As currently worded, the proposed legislation will require any township or city to approve the legalization in their respective areas by a majority vote.
All of the above being said about the three states advancing the legalization of online sports betting and such, there is one rather major hurdle that remains to be overcome. That hurdle is of course that federal ban on sports betting that was enacted back in 1992. Recall that was the the year that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA) was passed. PAPSA effectively prohibits sports betting in any state where it was not already in existence prior to the new law.
At the same time, you must have heard something or the other about how the state of New Jersey is challenging PAPSA at the U.S. Supreme Court. Naturally, if in fact the Supreme Court takes on the New Jersey case, the ruling could have profound implications for online gambling across the U.S. Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.