Push to change sports betting law continues after New Jersey attempt fails

Law enforcement, mayors, leaders in sports, fans and now, state legislators, agree that it's time for a new approach to sports betting – one that protects consumers, communities and the integrity of sports we enjoy.

On Wednesday, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) passed a policy directive that asserts "the federal government must recognize the sovereignty of states to allow or to prohibit sports gambling by its residents."

Further, it states,

The federal ban instituted under PASPA has not prevented the conduct of illegal sports gambling, but has in effect restricted the ability of all but a few states to regulate and collect revenue from sport gambling wagers estimated to be in the billions of dollars each year, to the detriment of state economies.

NCSL requests Congress recognize the sovereignty of states to regulate and tax sports gambling, and repeal the federal ban on sports gambling by enacting legislation that would allow state legislatures to authorize sports gambling by statute. NCSL also requests that federal lawmakers be respectful of state legislatures that prohibit sports gaming or other forms of gaming within their state.

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As the American Gaming Association (AGA) builds this broad coalition of stakeholders and pushes an aggressive campaign for a new approach to sports betting, the popular annual conference South by Southwest is considering including the topic next March

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