Iowa seeks sports betting law

Iowa would allow sports betting legislation if the US Supreme Court favours New Jersey’s demand.

US.- Iowa State’s government could attempt to legalise sports betting industry once the legal battle between New Jersey and professional sports leagues finishes under the US Supreme Court’s resolution, as reported by local news outlets. It is expected that the maximum court determines the decision in the following weeks.

New Jersey’s government is trying to withdraw the federal injunction that eliminates the possibility of legislating sports betting industry. The administration took the case to dismiss the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) to the Supreme Court, which may soon end the legal battle by favoring the statements’ of the national professional sports leagues and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

If New Jersey wins the case, Iowa would be able to debate the legalisation as well. “I think there’s a great deal of interest among people (who want) the opportunity to bet on a game and do it in a regulated environment,” said Wes Ehrecke, president and CEO of the Iowa Gaming Association. “… I think a lot of people have a great deal of interest in sports and betting on sports.”

Currently only four states — Nevada, Montana, Delaware and Oregon — are allowed to operate sports gambling under a 1992 federal law. If the Supreme Court approves New Jersey’s demand, every state would be able to establish a legal industry.