Sports betting bill dies in North Dakota
The state Senate has struck down a bill proposed to legalise sports betting with a categorical 38-7 vote against the segment’s regulation.
US.- While sports betting continues to move forward across US Legislatures, some continue to bat down every effort to regulate the segment. That’s exactly North Dakota’s case, as the Senate voted 38-7 against a bill to legalise sports betting on collegiate and professional events in the state.
The bill reached the Upper Chamber after the House of Representatives passed it last month, but failed to reach the Governor’s desk. According to bill’s supporters, the segment would generate revenue for charities and the state, but opponents just held on to the “gambling addiction” argument and managed to strike it down.
The House of Representatives had passed the bill to approve betting on both collegiate and professional sports and sent the bill to the Senate.
Lawmakers used to be against sports betting but seemed to change their mind on it on February 20. During the morning, the proposed legislation was rejected as it only got 46 votes (needed 48). However, after a break, representatives reconsidered the measure and passed it with a 52-38 vote.
Back then, Rep. Michael Howe emphasised the fact that unregulated sports betting already takes place in the state. “It’s already occurring in North Dakota,” Howe said. “Let’s keep that money in North Dakota for charities, addiction services and tax revenue.”
The bill, however, was denied by the Republican-led Senate.
