MLS chief supports sports betting legalization

Sports wagering is only legal in Nevada, although New Jersey's sports betting case could pave the way for other states to introduce a regulated system.

New Jersey is challenging the federal 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which makes it unlawful for governmental entities to sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, license or authorise betting, gambling or wagering schemes based on games played by amateur or professional athletes.

The state claims it is against the U.S. Constitution for the federal government to usurp state rights and provide Nevada with the ability to offer sports betting, but deny other states the same opportunity.

American football league the NFL, basketball’s NBA, Major League Baseball and ice hockey’s NHL have voiced opposition to New Jersey’s efforts, arguing that it would violate PASPA.

However, Garber recently said that he would not be against expanding the current market to include more states, stating betting is “part of the DNA of football”.

“Go to a game in [English Premier League club] Chelsea or in Stamford Bridge, somebody’s coming to your seat or in your box with a tout sheet, and you can place a bet,” Garber said, according to Yahoo.

“Gambling on games, betting on games, is part of the DNA of football around the world.

“I am a big proponent that it’s going to happen, we might as well be in front of it.

“I think there are great values to our tax revenues to be able to do that, I don’t think we can stop it, so maybe we’d even lead the charge.”

The US Supreme Court is due to hear New Jersey’s argument early next month.