The ongoing case for legalized sports betting finds another supporter in Pennsylvania. State Representative Robert Matzie has outlined a potential bill that would launch regulatory efforts on sports betting and centers on one key element—PASPA. PASPA, or the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, is a federal ban on sports betting that is keeping 46 states from emulating Nevada’s sports betting industry.
Matzie joins other representatives in drafting legislation that would have sports betting ready to takeoff pending PASPA’s repeal. New Jersey has been the most aggressive of the PASPA dissenters, as they tried to pass a law that directly goes against it. Their case is currently stuck in an appeals limbo and awaiting word from the Supreme Court. Pennsylvania, along with other states like Mississippi and Michigan, has bills that would only go into effect should PASPA finally be repealed, or at the very least rewritten.
Matzie recently put out a memorandum seeking co-sponsorship for the bill he is proposing. “Sports betting in the United States totals an estimated $400 billion per year, with only 1% taking place in legal form. Fantasy sports betting draws in an estimated 57 million participants. The reality is that not only has the perception of sports betting changed over the years, but the ways in which to participate in some form of sports betting has greatly increased,” wrote Matzie in his memorandum. Matzie’s perspective on the sports betting industry in refreshing in that he acknowledges the changing landscape and the potential benefits of it. That estimated figure is enticing for state legislators, given the revenue implications, especially considering how untapped the market is from a legal standpoint.
“Our Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to oversee sports betting in all its forms and should be ready to act should the federal ban be lifted. As evidenced by yet another record setting year of gaming revenues, our licensed facilities are thriving. Legalizing sports betting will simply enable Pennsylvania to regulate a multimillion dollar industry that already exists,” said Matzie.
Matzie is likely well aware of the record-setting success of Pennsylvania casinos in 2016—the industry reeled in an impressive $3.2 billion in revenue. Sports betting would only increase this revenue, which is one of the key reasons Matzie is pushing for this bill. Matzie’s optimism on this matter also stems from President Trump’s presidency, as the former casino-mogul-turned-President has stated how he would support the legalization of sports betting. However, even Trump understands the complex logistics of the situation. New Jersey’s case plays a huge role in Pennsylvania’s fate, as that ruling will likely set the precedent regarding sports betting, at least for the time being. New Jersey’s case is currently stalled as President Trump is seeking a new Solicitor General. Whoever he does pick will have the New Jersey case as one of their first.
Whatever happens with that case will have a significant impact on PASPA and the sports betting industry as a whole. It will affect Pennsylvania in that both Pennsylvania and New Jersey are in the same federal court circuit, hence Pennsylvania’s cautious approach to tackling the proposal. Regardless, Matzie is hopeful he’ll garner enough support in the form of co-sponsorship to get the ball rolling for legalized sports betting in the state of Pennsylvania.