Supreme Court Makes Sports Betting A Possibility Nationwide
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Move over slots and table games. Make room for sport betting.
"It could be hundreds of millions of dollars netted out over a period of time," Sen. Jay Costa said.
The United States Supreme Court on Monday struck down a 1992 law that restricted sports betting to Nevada, Montana, Oregon, and Delaware. It leaves state the freedom to make their own decision.
The Pennsylvania legislature anticipated the ruling and Sen. Costa says they already approved "betting on football games, baseball games, basketball and the like."
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board now must write the rules for the casinos, accept and approve their applications, and collect their $10 million licensing fees. Sports betting in Pennsylvania will be taxed at a rate of 34 percent.
"I think at the end of the day, it could be significant dollars for Pennsylvania," Costa said.
"We look forward to adding sports betting across all our gaming platforms as soon as possible," Rivers Casino CEO Greg Carlin said Monday.
At the Meadows Racetrack and Casino, VP Troy Stemming says they are anxious to offer what has been going on illegally for years.
"I think the fact that you're bring this wagering out of the shadows and into the light will provide consumers protection and transparency. I think that's going to be big for our industry and those who are currently wagering today," he said.
No comment from the local sports teams but the professional leagues did issue statements.
Major League Baseball said: "Our most important priority is protecting the integrity of our games. We will continue to support legislation that creates air-tight coordination and partnerships between the state, the casino operators and the governing bodies in sports toward that goal."
The National Football League said, "The NFL's long-standing and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our game remains absolute. ... 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."
The betting won't be starting quickly.
"At best we're looking at Jan. 1," Costa said. "If we can do it soon, that would be great, but at the end of the day, they can't just start tomorrow doing it. They have to go through the process."
