As the popularity of sports betting grows, the states are increasingly concerned with how to regulate the sport. While the states have an interest in increasing taxable revenue, the integrity of the games must be the top priority. States must decide on tax rates and the regulatory body that should oversee the business. In many cases, sports betting is illegal in a state and it is up to the individual state to decide whether it is legal to bet on sports.
Legalization of sports betting in Delaware
Legalization of sports betting in Delaware is a step towards increasing the number of gambling options available to Delaware residents. Before PASPA, the state offered NFL parlay betting as a lottery. In 2009, it legalized video lottery machines and bingo. It has also expanded sports betting legislation. However, there are still some restrictions in place.
One of the most popular sports in Delaware is the National Football League (NFL). Thousands of residents follow the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, two of the most popular NFL teams. The NFL has aligned itself with the sports betting industry, and betting on the NFL game in Delaware is now legal.
Legalization of sports betting in New Jersey
Legalization of sports betting in New Jersey was once considered an impossibility. The state was previously prohibited from offering the betting activity due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). But in May 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that PASPA is unconstitutional, opening the door for New Jersey to legalize sports betting. In June, William Hill, FanDuel and DraftKings became the first sportsbooks in the state.
Despite the legal hurdles, NJ has made strides in the development of a fair and transparent sports betting market. The state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement and the New Jersey Racing Commission have worked together to ensure that sports wagering is in compliance with state law.
Legalization of sports betting in Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island recently passed a bill that will legalize sports betting. The law will be regulated by the state lottery, and the state will receive 51% of the revenue generated. The rest will go to the International Game Technology company and the state’s casino. The state prides itself on listening to its citizens, and its history of gaming has demonstrated that. In 1934, voters approved a law that legalized pari-mutuel horse betting, and in the early 1970s, the state approved a law allowing the state lottery and video lottery terminals.
After the US Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting, Rhode Island was one of the fastest states to legalize sports betting. In fact, Rhode Island was the eighth state to legalize sports betting, after New Jersey, West Virginia, and Delaware.
Legalization of sports betting in Kentucky
There are two bills currently being considered that would legalize sports betting in Kentucky. One is House Bill HB 606, introduced by Rep. Koenig, and the other is Senate Bill 213, sponsored by Sen. David Yates. Both bills would legalize sports betting, which would include online poker and daily fantasy sports, as well as tie it into the state’s racetracks. The House passed the Koenig bill on March 18 and the Senate approved it the following day.
While sports betting is not legal in Kentucky, it is expected to be legalized by 2023. The governor is a strong supporter of the initiative and is urging lawmakers to pass the legislation. However, there is no guarantee that the bill will become law.
