Gaming insights Gaming

US sports betting push suffers critical blow

Written by Ben Blaschke

A recent push to extend the legalization of sports betting beyond the three US states that currently allow it has hit a dead end.

Last week, the US Third Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling preventing New Jersey from pursuing a regulated sports betting industry within its borders. Under the watchful eye of a panel of 12 judges, the court determined that the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) makes it illegal for states to offer sports betting.

Nevada, Delaware and Oregon remain the exception.

New Jersey passed a law in 2014 to allow sports betting in the state but a series of legal challenges has prevented it from taking effect. In August last year, a three-judge panel ruled against New Jersey legalizing sports betting 2-1 which ultimately led to the four major North American sports leagues – the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB – issuing a challenge.

Now that they have been defeated it seems a long way back for the vast majority of US citizens who dream of betting on sports.