New push to legalise sports betting in US

At present, Nevada is the only US state in which sports betting is legal and freely available, under the terms of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection (PASPA) introduced 25 years ago.

However, the AGA has now joined several other gaming organisations in calling for an end to PASPA and, as part of this effort, has launched the American Sports Betting Coalition (ASBC). The AGA said the ASBC will lead an "all-inclusive advocacy campaign” focused on ending the ban, with backing from parties pushing for wider regulation of sports betting in the US.

Supporters of the new campaign include law enforcement officials, states rights’ advocates, policymakers and leading industry figures.

In a statement, the AGA said: "This diverse group of stakeholders is critical to pushing for legislative action in Washington which is the first piece of the puzzle; ending PASPA means states can then decide if they want to have sports betting or not.”

"The coalition will include an advisory council of law enforcement and state and local elected officials to solicit critical input as all invested stakeholders craft a solution. It brings together the AGA Illegal Gambling Advisory Board, and immediately welcomes organisations such as the Fraternal Order of Police, National District Attorneys Association, Major County Sheriffs Association, U.S. Conference of Mayors and National Conference of State Legislatures who support the coalition principles.”

Geoff Freeman, president and chief executive of the AGA, added: "Big government’s 1992 sports betting prohibition has failed to protect sports, fans and communities.”

"We are partnering with local and state elected officials, law enforcement and other diverse interests to tell Washington to get out of the way. Regulated sports betting is what fans want and sports integrity demands,” Freeman added.

Source: GMB / iGaming Business