SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
US betting and gambling stakeholders have shown their support for NBA Chief Commissioner Adam Silvers pro legalised sports betting views.
Silver who became NBA Commissioner in February, is the first head of a major US sports league to call for sports betting to be legalised and regulated. Silver urged for the US government and its Federal Courts to change their approach to sports betting, stating that US consumers were wagering an estimated $400 billion illegally.
The American Gaming Association were quick to support Silvers views, stating that the gambling trade association would help “identify the size and scope” of the US illegal betting market in order to support the NBA and other sports leagues.
William Hill US CEO JOE Asher fully agreed with Silvers comments stating that
“Sports betting is widespread throughout the U.S. today. Unfortunately, it is mostly illegal, unregulated and untaxed. That serves to benefit the criminals who serve that market today.”
Silvers pro sports betting views, have divided opinion amongst US sports leagues and franchises. US sports industry commentators, stated that whilst Silver’s views could be deemed progressive as a commissioner of a major US sports leagues, it would not justify New Jersey bypassing federal laws to allow sports betting in gambling premises.
This Thursday U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp will hear arguments on New Jersey’s latest effort to legalize sports wagering. The state wants to allow sports books to open in racetracks and is opposed by the four major sports leagues (The NBA included) and the NCAA.
