5/14/18
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a federal law effectively prohibiting sports betting outside Nevada is unconstitutional, paving the way for a dramatic increase in gambling on sports in the coming weeks and months. Here's how governing bodies and notable figures in the world of sports have reacted to the news.....
NFL - The NFL said it wants Congress to implement a "core regulatory framework" for sports betting in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision. "The NFL’s long-standing and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our game remains absolute," the league said in a statement. "Congress has long recognized the potential harms posed by sports betting to the integrity of sporting contests and the public confidence in these events.
MLB - Major League Baseball said Monday's decision will have "profound effects" on its operation.
NBA - NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who has been in favor of legalizing and regulating sports betting, released a statement saying, in part, that the league supports a "federal framework" that would provide consistency from state to state.
NCAA - The NCAA released a statement from chief legal officer Donald Remy, who said the organization is still reviewing the Supreme Court's decision. "Today the United States Supreme Court issued a clear decision that PASPA is unconstitutional, reversing the lower courts that held otherwise," Remy said. "While we are still reviewing the decision to understand the overall implications to college sports, we will adjust sports wagering and championship policies to align with the direction from the court."
NHL - In a statement released early Monday afternoon, the NHL pointed out that the Supreme Court's decision won't have an "immediate impact." "The Supreme Court’s decision today paves the way to an entirely different landscape – one in which we have not previously operated," the league said in the statement. "We will review our current practices and policies and decide whether adjustments are needed, and if so, what those adjustments will look like.
Ted Leonsis, owner of the NBA's Washington Wizards and NHL's Washington Capitals, released a lengthy statement that lauded the decision, which he said "brings a multi-billion dollar industry out of the shadows and into the sunlight, where its integrity can be guaranteed and consumers can be better protected." "Many ask if this decision will impact the integrity of sports themselves. I think it’s just the opposite," Leonsis said in part of the statement. "I think that the increased transparency that will accompany more legalized betting around the country will only further protect against potential corruption. They say sunlight is the best disinfectant, and in this case I believe that is certainly true."]
