https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2018/05/14/draftkings/rXTu9nxKFjFdYPfUHITQuM/story.html
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports.
The Supreme Court on Monday struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. The 1992 law barred state-authorized sports gambling with some exceptions. It made Nevada the only state where a person could wager on the results of a single game.
The decision could have an effect on business in Massachusetts, even before state lawmakers can begin debating whether to legalize such gaming here.
DraftKings, the daily fantasy sports provider that is one of the largest startups in the state, is hoping to get into the business of offering sports wagers. In a statement shortly after the ruling, chief executive Jason Robins celebrated the end of an “outdated” ban.
“Our mission has always been to bring fans closer to the sports they love and now, thanks to the wisdom of the Supreme Court, DraftKings will be able to harness our proven technology to provide our customers with innovative online sports betting products,” Robins said.
One research firm estimated before the ruling that if the Supreme Court were to strike down the law, 32 states would likely offer sports betting within five years.
The court’s decision came in a case from New Jersey, which has fought for years to legalize gambling on sports at casinos and racetracks in the state.
This breaking news story will be updated.
Andy Rosen of the Globe Staff contributed to this article.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports.
The Supreme Court on Monday struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. The 1992 law barred state-authorized sports gambling with some exceptions. It made Nevada the only state where a person could wager on the results of a single game.
The decision could have an effect on business in Massachusetts, even before state lawmakers can begin debating whether to legalize such gaming here.
DraftKings, the daily fantasy sports provider that is one of the largest startups in the state, is hoping to get into the business of offering sports wagers. In a statement shortly after the ruling, chief executive Jason Robins celebrated the end of an “outdated” ban.
“Our mission has always been to bring fans closer to the sports they love and now, thanks to the wisdom of the Supreme Court, DraftKings will be able to harness our proven technology to provide our customers with innovative online sports betting products,” Robins said.
One research firm estimated before the ruling that if the Supreme Court were to strike down the law, 32 states would likely offer sports betting within five years.
The court’s decision came in a case from New Jersey, which has fought for years to legalize gambling on sports at casinos and racetracks in the state.
This breaking news story will be updated.
Andy Rosen of the Globe Staff contributed to this article.