More US states to join sports betting push in 2018

Eighteen states in the U.S are anticipated to introduce bills on sports betting and almost 11 are close to finally passing legislation.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is expected to repeal eventually as the US Supreme Court has not ruled on the matter yet. However, 18 states are all set to introduce sports betting bills this year and 11 are expected to pass legislation as a preparation for the possible scenario.

As per the report by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, 18 adds up only to a minimum of states set to debate and many more are anticipated. According to the study at least 30 states will come up with their own sports betting bills in the near future or later.

Eilers & Krejcik Managing Director Chris Grove said: “Assuming a Supreme Court decision or action by Congress permits it, we could see the largest simultaneous expansion of regulated gambling in U.S. history with sports betting in 2018.”

By June, the Supreme Court is expected to finally decide on the New Jersey lawsuit that would detonate sports betting legalisation nationwide. After that, Massachusetts; Rhode Island; New York; New Jersey; West Virginia; Ohio; Michigan; Illinois; Oklahoma; Kentucky and Indiana are most likely to enact their own bills and follow other states that already have their own and are waiting for the ruling like Pennsylvania and Connecticut.