Here’s how sports leagues have reacted to possibility of legal sports gambling
The news that the door has been opened for states to legalize sports gambling following a US Supreme Court decision on Monday prompted reactions from several of the major governing bodies.
The NBA has maintained for some time it was in favor of legalized sports gambling, and commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Monday’s news.
“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court opens the door for states to pass laws legalizing sports betting. We remain in favor of a federal framework that would provide a uniform approach to sports gambling in states that choose to permit it, but we will remain active in ongoing discussions with state legislatures,’’ Silver said in a statement distributed by the NBA. “Regardless of the particulars of any future sports betting law, the integrity of our game remains our highest priority.’’
Major League Baseball, the PGA Tour, and England’s Premier League have also said they are in favor of legalized sports betting in the United States. They would want their taste of the action in the form of a percentage of the amount bet on their sport’s contests, according to ESPN.
Here are some of the reactions from other governing bodies and organizations involved (will be updated as warranted):
National Thoroughbred Racing Association president Alex Waldrop
“Until today, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has been the only legal form of sports wagering available throughout most of the United States at both physical locations and online. Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional and states are free to regulate sports betting as they see fit, our multi-billion dollar industry must rise to the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by this expansion of sports betting.’’
NHL statement
“The Supreme Court’s decision today paves the way to an entirely different landscape – one in which we have not previously operated. We will review our current practices and policies and decide whether adjustments are needed, and if so, what those adjustments will look like. It’s important to emphasize that the Supreme Court’s decision has no immediate impact on existing League rules relating to sports wagering, and particularly, wagering involving NHL games. So, while changes may be considered in the future, today’s decision does not directly impact the operation of the League or any of our Clubs in the short term.’’
NFL Players Association statement
“The Supreme Court’s decision today reaffirms the decision to collaborate with the other sports unions on the issues of player safety, integrity of our games and privacy and publicity rights. Our union will monitor developments closely and address the implications of this decision with the NFL, state legislators and other relevant stakeholders.’’
NFL statement
“The NFL’s long-standing and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our game remains absolute. Congress has long-recognized the potential harms posed by sports betting to the integrity of sporting contests and the public confidence in these events. Given that history, we intend to call on Congress again, this time to enact a core regulatory framework for legalized sports betting. We also will work closely with our clubs to ensure that any state efforts that move forward in the meantime protect our fans and the integrity of our game.’’
