AGA Applauds Supreme Court Decision to End the Sports Betting Ban
AGA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Murphy v NCAA
Federal Ban on Sports Betting Found Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2018
CONTACT: Casey Clark
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202-552-2684
Washington, D.C. – American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement after the announcement of the Supreme Court’s opinion on Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. The Court’s ruling on the case today determined that the federal ban on sports betting as established by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is unconstitutional, paving the way for the legalization of sports betting in all 50 states.
“Today’s decision is a victory for the millions of Americans who seek to bet on sports in a safe and regulated manner. According to a Washington Post survey, a solid 55 percent of Americans believe it’s time to end the federal ban on sports betting. Today’s ruling makes it possible for states and sovereign tribal nations to give Americans what they want: an open, transparent, and responsible market for sports betting. Through smart, efficient regulation this new market will protect consumers, preserve the integrity of the games we love, empower law enforcement to fight illegal gambling, and generate new revenue for states, sporting bodies, broadcasters and many others. The AGA stands ready to work with all stakeholders – states, tribes, sports leagues, and law enforcement – to create a new regulatory environment that capitalizes on this opportunity to engage fans and boost local economies.”
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About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.
American Gaming Association, 799 9th St. NW Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001 United States
=======================================================The Supreme Court has struck down the federal law prohibiting states from authorizing or licensing sports betting. The Court announced its 6-3 ruling today in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, the challenge to the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). The decision effectively permits states to regulate legalized sports betting across the country and opens the door for state specific legislation.
Justice Alito, writing for the majority, delivered the opinion of the court, with a concurring opinion written by Justice Thomas. AGA’s brief and website were both cited in the Court’s decision.
The Supreme Court’s decision is a victory for millions of Americans who want to bet on sports in a safe and regulated manner. It’s now possible for states and sovereign tribal nations to create a sports betting market that will protect consumers, preserve the integrity of the games, empower law enforcement to fight illegal gambling, and generate new revenue for states, tribes, sporting bodies, broadcasters and many others.
Now all attention turns to the states. Already 18 states have introduced legislation to legalize sports betting, with more states expected to follow. The AGA is working closely with the necessary stakeholders, including many of you, to ensure that new state policies include reasonable tax rates and sensible regulations.
We will share a more comprehensive analysis of the opinion later this afternoon. We'll convene a call later this afternoon to share our analysis of the ruling, details forthcoming.
Regards,
Geoff Freeman
President and CEO
American Gaming Association