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Betting Watchdog Groups: Developments
Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Association (SWIMA), the only sports betting watchdog group in the United States was launched on November 28, 2018, and became operational around February/March 2019 (90 days after its founding). Due to the lack of newsworthy developments related to SWIMA, we have provided ten developments related to sports betting in the United States over the years. Please note that the most newsworthy sports betting developments occurred in 2018 in response to the Supreme Court striking down a federal law that banned sports betting.
Supreme Court Struck Down Federal Law That Banned Sports Betting
On May 15, 2018, the Supreme Court struck down a federal law that banned sports betting in almost every State in the country. The ruling paved the way for legalized sports betting across the United States. The case was originally brought by New Jersey to boost its casinos based on Nevada’s sports betting businesses.
Delaware Became Second State To Launch Legalized Sports Betting Operations
On June 5, 2018, Delaware became the first state after Nevada to launch full-scale sports betting operations. The first wagers were placed at casinos such as Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, and Harrington Raceway & Casino. Delaware had previously planned to offer sports betting in 2009 but was prevented from doing so due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
New Jersey Became Third State To Launch Legalized Sports Betting Operations
On June 14, 2018, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy placed a wager at the Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill to mark the start of New Jersey becoming the third state to launch full-scale sports betting operations. The cost of building the sports betting parlor was $2 million. In 2011, New Jerseyans voted to legalize sports betting to boost the state’s ailing gambling hub Atlantic City.
National Basketball Association Formed Sports Betting Partnership With MGM Resorts
On August 1, 2018, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that it had formed a partnership with MGM Resorts that made the casino operator the league’s first-ever sports gambling partner. The three-year deal is reportedly worth $25 million. As part of the partnership, MGM will be allowed to use the official logos and trademarks of NBA and WNBA, and access NBA data streams to create in-game betting products in states where sports betting has been legalized.
Mississippi Became Fourth State To Launch Legalized Sports Betting Operations
On August 8, 2018, Mississippi became the fourth state to launch full-scale sports betting operations. It also became the first state outside of Nevada to allow bets on in-state college sports teams. Caesars Entertainment has been identified as one of the casinos in Mississippi to offer sports betting.
West Virginia Became Fifth State To Launch Legalized Sports Betting Operations
On September 1, 2018, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town started offering legal sports betting, making West Virginia the fifth state to launch legalized sports betting operations. According to the American Gaming Association, sports betting operations will help West Virginia earn $16 million in tax revenue and create 595 jobs. It is believed that West Virginia will attract punters from neighboring states until they start to legalize sports betting.
New Mexico Became Sixth State To Launch Legalized Sports Betting Operations
On October 16, 2018, Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel started offering legal sports betting, making New Mexico the sixth state to launch legalized sports betting operations. The casino has partnered with USBookmaking to open sports books that allowed gamblers to bet on major and minor leagues, NASCAR, and college sports. According to Representative Moe Maestas, sports betting operations may help to boost tourism.
National Hockey League Formed Sports Betting Partnership With MGM Resorts
On October 29, 2018, the National Hockey League (NHL) became the second major professional sports league to form a partnership with MGM Resorts. The value of the multi-year agreement has not been disclosed. As part of the partnership, MGM will have access to proprietary NHL data that will allow the company to customize betting game details.
Pennsylvania Became Seventh State To Launch Legalized Sports Betting Operations
On November 15, 2018, the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course started accepting sports bets, making Pennsylvania the seventh state to launch legalized sports betting operations. The operations will be run by William Hill USA during the test period. As of November 2018, six casinos in Pennsylvania has been approved or applied to offer sports betting.
Rhode Island Became Eight State To Launch Legalized Sports Betting Operations
On November 27, 2018, the Twin River Casino at Lincoln started accepting sports bets, making Rhode Island the eight state to launch legalized sports betting operations and the first in New England. As of November 2018, only Twin River’s casinos at Lincoln and Tiverton have been approved to run sports betting operations. The revenue gained will be split between the government (51%), vendor (32%), and casino (17%).