Sports betting has experienced a dramatic shift in its legal status over the years. Here’s a brief overview of its journey to legality:
- Historical Background: For most of the 20th century, sports betting was outlawed in the United States under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992.
- Supreme Court Ruling: The major turning point was on May 14, 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA, allowing states to legalize and regulate sports betting individually.
- State-Level Legalization: Post-2018, several states moved quickly to capitalize.
- Nevada: Long-legal due to existing regulations.
- New Jersey: Pioneer post-ruling, launching within weeks.
- Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and others followed suit.
- Current Status: As of now, over 25 states have legalized sports betting, with more considering legislation each year.
This evolution marks a significant change in the gambling landscape, opening up new opportunities and challenges for both bettors and regulators.
