Mississippi, West Virginia, Rhode Island Could be Next to Offer Sports Betting

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that banned sports betting, several states have been working to get in on sports betting. Mississippi, West Virginia and Rhode Island have recently passed bills that could result in legalized sports betting.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that banned sports betting, several states have been working to get in on the sports-betting game.

Three states—Mississippi, West Virginia and Rhode Island—have recently passed bills that could result in legalized sports betting, according to Yogonet. Here’s a look at what’s going on in these states:

  • Mississippi passed a law in 2017 allowing sports betting inside casinos. Regulations will allow for legal betting on July 21, and nine casinos have said they will offer sports wagering, including those owned by MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment.
  • West Virginia passed a law in early 2018 that would go into effect if the federal ban was overturned. The state is planning for sports betting to be live in time for football season this fall. Sports betting would be available at the state’s five casinos (four of which are also racetracks) and via mobile apps.
  • Rhode Island legalized sports wagering at its two casinos as part of its budget bill. There will likely be sportsbooks at both Twin River casinos, but there are currently no plans for online betting.

Currently, sports betting is legal in Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon allow sports betting, with Nevada the only state allowing single-game wagering, according to SI.com.

New Jersey originally challenged the federal law banning sports betting. So far, Atlantic City casinos Borgata and the new Ocean Resort are offering sports betting. Wagers can also be placed at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetrack. Online and mobile betting options are also in the works.

 

New York and Pennsylvania are expected to have legalized sports betting by 2019. Here are more details:

 

  • Pennsylvania passed a law in 2017 that included sports betting legalization if federal law changed. Pennsylvania is moving to implement regulations, but sportsbooks and online sports betting aren’t likely to go live until next year.

New York’s existing law allows for sports betting at the state’s four commercial casinos, but no new law has been added in 2018.

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