WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Supreme Court has cleared states to allow sports betting after a ruling Monday in a New Jersey case.
ABC News says the justices ruled the federal law in question, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act or PASPA, was partially unconstitutional because the federal government can’t tell states what laws they can enact. PASPA had been in effect the last 25 years and essentially barred states other than Nevada from sponsoring, advertising, promoting, operating, licensing or authorizing sports gambling.
The Supreme Court issued its 6-3 ruling after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a law allowing sports gambling at racetracks and casinos in 2012. Monday’s decision sends a resolution to Congress, but states could set their own policies if federal lawmakers decide not to act.
The impact on the world of sports and media could be far-reaching. Professional sports leagues, according to Yahoo! Sports, are already working on proposals to tap legal gambling revenue. Betting also has a demonstrated impact on viewing audiences, which could bring increased advertising rates and revenues.
