Good news for sports bettors in North Dakota – the state House has reconsidered its sports betting bill. On Wednesday, the sports betting legislation received overwhelming support from representatives. Although it fell short of two votes out of 48 in the morning, it managed to succeed when it was approved by a second vote of 52-38 in the afternoon. What’s left now is for the GOP to consider it. Read on for more.
About North Dakota’s Sports Betting Bill
Sports bettors can finally bet on college and professional sports. All thanks to the new legislation in North Dakota. North Dakota is one of the many states which are attempting to capitalize on the lifting of the federal ban on sports gambling in the United States.
On the same day, a wide margin defeated a separate bill which would only allow gambling on professional sports alone.
Sports Gambling in America
Sports betting in USA became legal per-state in May 2018. This was after the Supreme Court overruled a prior decision. Legislatures in Delaware, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia have already legalized sports betting. Meanwhile, several states such as Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Missouri have pre-filed sports betting bills.
“Betting on football games is something that a lot of people understand and they can deal with it a lot simpler thanhow poll tabs are and other things,” said a sponsor of one of the bills Thomas Beadle, the first time lawmakers met since sports betting became legal. “I think this is an opportunity that can expand the pie charitable gaming contributions in North Dakota. It helps to provide additional revenue out there for some new charities,” he added.
Michael Howe, a Republican Rep. of West Fargo said people in the state were already placing online bets. “It’s already occurring in North Dakota”
“Let’s keep that money in North Dakota for charities, addiction services and tax revenue,” Howe said.
Anti-gambling activists slammed the move saying it would be one more way for gambling addiction.
