I was watching a movie the other night, and some of the story revolved around bookies in New York City and some gamblers who got into trouble. It was interesting in the context of modern times. In most states, sports betting is legal now. We can easily do it on our apps. We have sports betting lounges attached to sports arenas and stadiums. So much has changed.

The Supreme Court changed everything

The popularity of sports betting keeps growing for many reasons. The latest boom started with the Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court decision in May 2018. Prior to this ruling, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 had largely outlawed sports gambling throughout the country, with the exception of a few states like Nevada.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Murphy found that PASPA violated the Tenth Amendment’s anti-commandeering principle, which prevents the federal government from forcing states to enforce federal laws. As a result, states were now able to legalize and regulate sports betting within their own borders.

Sports gambling keeps getting more popular

We’ve always loved betting on sports, particularly NFL football and college football. But now it’s even more popular. Several factors have contributed to the increased popularity of sports betting in the United States since the Murphy decision:

State legalization

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, many states have chosen to legalize sports betting, allowing for a more accessible and regulated environment. This has led to a surge in the number of people who can participate in sports gambling legally.

Technological advancements

The growth of mobile and online betting platforms has made it easier than ever for people to place wagers on sporting events. Many states that have legalized sports betting have also authorized online and mobile betting, further expanding the accessibility and convenience of sports gambling.

Marketing and partnerships

The increased legalization of sports betting has led to a growth in partnerships between betting operators and sports leagues, teams, and media outlets. These partnerships have increased visibility and promotion of sports betting, attracting more people to the activity.

Public perception

The Supreme Court’s decision and the subsequent legalization of sports betting in many states have contributed to a shift in public perception. Sports gambling has become more mainstream and socially acceptable, leading to a larger number of people engaging in the activity.

Economic benefits

Many states have recognized the potential economic benefits of legalizing sports betting, including increased tax revenue and job creation. This has further incentivized the expansion of sports betting across the country. State governments love this easy revenue.

Overall, the Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court decision has set off a domino effect that has led to widespread legalization and regulation of sports betting in the United States. As a result, the activity has become more popular and mainstream, with increased accessibility, technological advancements, and public acceptance all playing a role in its growth.

Bookies haven’t gone away

While we’ve seen a boom in legal sports gambling, don’t assume that illegal bookies have disappeared. There are a host of restrictions with gambling apps, so some gamblers will still turn to bookies who will give them credit to place bets. And this is where some people will still get in serious trouble.

Legal or not, you have to use your head. Don’t place bets you can’t afford. Don’t take loans to bet. Be smart, and stay out of trouble.