WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday to legalize sports gambling nationwide opening the flood gates for states to monetize what has been an underground industry worth billions of dollars.
Until today it was illegal to place bets on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states.
“Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so, each State is free to act on its own. Our job is to interpret the law Congress has enacted and decide whether it is consistent with the Constitution,” the ruling said.
The case originated in New Jersey and the momentum of their initiative made it to Washington.
Originally the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act barred state-authorized sports gambling with some exceptions. It made Nevada the only state where a person could wager on the results of a single game.
Today’s ruling gives states the go-ahead to legalize betting on all sports.
