Despite all the hype surrounding legalized sports betting, the question of whether it is legal in your state is still unanswered. While New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island have legalized sports betting, Maryland has passed legislation to legalize online/mobile sports betting. And while it is still illegal in most states, the question of whether sports betting is legal is a complex one. Here are some points to consider when making a decision on sports betting in your state.
New Jersey, Delaware and Rhode Island have legalized sports betting
In June 2018, the legislature in Rhode Island approved legislation allowing land-based sportsbooks. On that same day, sportsbooks opened in two commercial casinos in the state. In the first year, sportsbooks lost $2.4 million on Super Bowl LIII, but recouped that loss in February. The state lottery takes 51% of the sports wagering proceeds, while the supplier IGT keeps the other 32%, according to the Rhode Island Department of Gaming and Racing.
In August 2018, New Jersey began accepting online sports bets. The state boasts the highest state handle in the country. In-state college teams and college sporting events in New Jersey are the only ones that cannot be betted on, however. The law prohibits betting on college teams. In-state bettors must make their wagers at two specified casinos. This makes it easier to operate sportsbooks.
Iowa has legalized sports betting
Since Iowa legalized sports betting in December 2017, nearly $8 million in tax revenue has been reported. You can find sports betting commercials running during nearly every televised game in Iowa. This industry is new to Iowa, but it is making millions of dollars in the state. Iowa’s Legislative Services Agency tracks sports betting and fantasy sports gambling in the state. Read more about the law’s implementation and future prospects here.
The Iowa legislature has approved bills that will allow for legal sports wagering in Iowa, including an agreement to legalize the activity. In April, Iowa will host the Drake Relays, a track and field event, which has produced Olympic Gold Medalists. Also, the state is home to the Iowa Shrine Bowl, an all-star football game held in Cedar Falls each July. Among the other sports betting companies in Iowa, DraftKings is leading the handling chart for a second month, beating out FanDuel and Caesars.
Oregon is one of four states with grandfathered sports betting under PASPA
Sports betting in Oregon is legal, but the state doesn’t have an official bill on the matter. It’s grandfathered in under PASPA, meaning that it could offer sports betting in person without passing a bill. In 2007, Oregon had a betting game called Sports Action, but it was shut down without any formal action. In recent years, Oregon has allowed sports gambling to return, but the state has been slow to implement new rules and regulations.
PASPA was enacted on Oct. 28, 1992, and took effect in January 1993. It exempted sports-based gaming in Montana, Delaware, and Oregon, and maintained the status quo in Nevada casinos, which offer a wide variety of games. However, PASPA has been challenged in court and the Supreme Court has declared it unconstitutional. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, some states have been able to grandfather sports betting in PASPA.
Maryland has legalized online/mobile-only sports betting
It is now legal to place wagers on sports in Maryland. In a bill approved by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Larry Hogan, the state has a two-tiered sports betting system: Class A permits are reserved for casino-like facilities and Class B licenses are reserved for smaller businesses. As of now, Maryland has 60 retail licenses for sportsbooks, but online betting isn’t expected to launch until fall 2022.
If a bet is placed on an NFL game, it must be placed by an individual who is at least 21 years old. In addition, a sportsbook must be physically located in Maryland. The state also requires sportsbooks to use geolocation tech or a desktop plugin to verify a person’s physical location. The new regulations will also apply to college and European basketball leagues, as well as other sports such as rugby and cricket.