Could US legalised sports betting finally have a Supreme Court backer in newly appointed Justice Neil Gorsuch? US betting stakeholders are questioning whether the new Republican Justice will push for a review and reworking of PASPA provisions by the country’s most powerful court.
Following a tough confirmation process, President Trump confirmed the appointment of Gorsuch last week as new ‘seat on the Supreme Court’, replacing Antonin Scalia. Gorsuch a conservative legal scholar breaks the 4-4 deadlock between liberal and conservative judges on the Supreme Court.
Throughout his confirmation process, Gorsuch has been described as having a ‘textualist view of the law’ by adhering fully to the content and context of the US Constitution. As new Justice Gorsuch is therefore expected to support all mandates favouring ‘state rights to self-governance of laws.
US betting stakeholders could view this as positive, should Gorsuch and the Supreme Court be asked to review the much-maligned provisions of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
Prior Supreme Court hearings for licensed sports betting filed by states such as New Jersey have failed to gain any traction, as Justices’ have been split on whether to progress PASPA reviews.
Gorsuch takes his seat, as US betting stakeholders prepare for further challenges to PASPA conditions. A 2015 report by global gaming research firm Gambling Compliance estimated legalised sports betting in America could produce $12.4 billion in annual revenue, which would roughly equal all revenue generated by the NFL.
In January, prior to taking full US Presidential duties, Donald Trump stated that his administration could look to restructure US gambling laws, focusing on licensed sports betting.
Trump stated that a mandate would be needed taking into account the concerns of all national stakeholders; the police, pro-leagues, gambling enterprises, and state law makers.
Source: SBC News
