New Bill Gives Sports Bettors Hope

Just one day after receiving bad news, legal sports betting supporters received some good news. It came in the fashion of a new bill introduced by New Jersey’s Frank Pallone. Pallone has been a strong supporter of states’ rights to offer sports betting if they want to. The bill is called the Gaming Accountability and Modernization Enhancement Act or GAME Act. But don’t expect it to become law real soon.

What the bill basically does is overturn the PAPSA and states as much. “United States Code (commonly referred to as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) is repealed,” it reads. But all that really does it give states the option to offer sports betting. It doesn’t force anybody to get into the bookmaking business. That’s all supporters of legalized sports betting have argued for all along. Let the states say if they will cater to sports bettors or not.

Pallone’s bill goes on to say that betting establishments will be regulated and problem gambling is addressed with funds set aside for treatment. It was 26 pages in length and full of the legal speak associated with most bills.

But the big question is if Congress has more pressing needs at the moment. There’s health care, taxes and other problems most members of Congress would rather see address first. Still, it’s a start and comes at a good time for sports bettors. A bit of good news was needed after Wednesday’s setback.

The American Gaming Association says something will happen with a few years. But it remains to be seen how much Congress will do if the leagues oppose the bill. While several, such as the NBA, will support legal sports betting, the NCAA will oppose it at all costs. The other leagues aren’t quite as predictable with how they will deal with it.