Lawmakers may legalise sports betting in Montana
A legislative committee is considering to legalise sports betting in Montana, limited to bars with full liquor licences.
US.- The gaming industry in the US continues to undergo a major transformation after the Supreme Court struck PASPA down and liberalised sports wagering. That’s why lawmakers are looking for ways to legalise, and sports betting in Montana may happen soon.
Republican Sen. Mark Blasdel is pushing the bill as he wants to join in the market. A legislative committee already heard testimony on the proposal. It aims to get only bars with full liquor licences to be able to offer sports betting in Montana.
The Montana Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs committee heard supporters of the bill. They explained sportsbook companies would install the equipment in bars and be in charge of the computerised wagering. The state would take in 8.5% on adjusted gross betting receipts, and bars a 5% of the net income.
Neil Peterson, executive director of the Gaming Industry of Montana, said: “To maximize revenue: allow mobile betting to happen on a statewide basis.” He also voiced his concern over the capability of businesses to pay sportsbooks.
The proposal wouldn’t only bring a few more bucks from wagers to bars if they decide to legalise sports betting in Montana. People would stay longer at the facilities, spending more on food and drinks.
Sports betting liberalisation
The US Supreme Court cleared states to legalise sports betting in May. They said that the federal law that was in place was unconstitutionally forcing states to maintain their prohibitions. As a result, the gambling industry got the green light to set regulations to find common ground on it.
The high court ruled that Congress overstepped its authority in 1992 by prohibiting states that didn’t already allow sports betting from entering the business. Due to a 7-2 vote in favour of overruling PASPA, the sports protection act that was passed 26 years ago.
