Sports betting is legal in some states. For example, in Oklahoma and Texas, it’s possible to bet on sports games. Other states are considering legalizing sports betting, like Delaware. However, before betting on sports, you need to know your rights. Read on to learn about some important aspects of sports betting in your state.
Delaware legalizes sports betting
Sports betting is legal in Delaware, making it the first state to legalize the activity. Currently, Delaware only offers sports betting at three racinos – racetracks that offer casino gaming and licensed sportsbooks. While Delaware legalized sports betting, there are still some legalities to work out before it is fully legal.
Delaware was one of the first states to make sports betting legal in the United States after the Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was unconstitutional. As a result, it has a history of regulating sports betting.
Oklahoma legalizes sports betting
The state of Oklahoma is on the brink of legalizing sports betting, but legal challenges may set the process back. The state’s governor, Kevin Stitt, had approved sports betting in 2020, and he renegotiated two tribal gaming compacts to allow it. However, the state attorney general, Mike Hunter, disagreed with Stitt’s decision and published a formal opinion.
Oklahoma lawmakers had hoped to legalize sports betting earlier this year, but the measure was not passed before the legislative session ended. House lawmakers delayed the vote on HB 3008, which would have allowed in-person sports betting at tribal casinos. It would have also required the approval of the federal government for amended tribal-state gaming compacts. The bill had passed the House budget committee 28-3 on March 2, but did not clear the final hurdle to become law.
Texas legalizes sports betting
The recent passage of HB 1275 in Texas is a positive development for sports betting and gambling in the state. The law is designed to allow licensed operators to offer sports betting and gambling to consumers and businesses in the state. However, there are some concerns about this legislation. It only lists five license types and explicitly excludes amateur sports wagering. However, the legislation is still alive and may be amended without much difficulty. One factor that may affect the outcome is COVID-19, a state law governing gambling.
Legal sports betting and gaming will provide a better experience for sports fans. The state is home to many high-profile sporting events that attract millions of people each year. The availability of sports gambling on both the internet and in person will add to the overall betting experience. Moreover, legalizing sports betting and gambling in Texas will give the state an edge over other states in the region.
Arizona legalizes sports betting
After decades of being banned by the federal government, sports betting in Arizona is finally coming back to life. The state’s Department of Gaming has approved licenses for 20 licensed gambling operators, which will now open sportsbooks in brick-and-mortar retail locations and online. These businesses have signed contracts with the state’s two commercial sportsbooks and are operating in the state.
Earlier this year, Arizonan state senators voted in favor of legal sports betting after removing a historical horse racing component from the bill. The bill was passed by a vote of 23-6, and the governor signed the bill into law on April 15, 2021. The sports betting industry is expected to start operating in Arizona on September 9, 2021.