Casino operators evaluate sports betting

American casino operators have also shown interest in the potential legalisation of sports betting at federal level.

US.- Gaming and casino operators throughout the United States may be interested in adding sports betting services to their current licensed casinos if legalisation becomes a reality by mid June this year. Since the case was taken to the US Supreme Court, 18 states have revealed their intentions of legalising the industry, whilst experts believe over 12 could probably make it.

“I believe if the U.S. Supreme Court makes a decision that allows states to move freely on this issue, I think they’ll take them up on that offer,” said Chris Grove, managing director of Eilers & Krejcik Gaming in Las Vegas. Casinos could become future sports betting operators throughout the states.

Under current legislation, sports betting is banned federalwide, except in four states: Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana, as all four of those states were offering some variation of sports lotteries back in 1992, when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was approved. The Government of New Jersey has begun a lawsuit to amend the act and allow further states to regulate their own sports betting market. Since the beginning of the legal battle, New Jersey has gathered the support of the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the National Indian Gaming Association’s (NIGA).