If sports betting was legalized in the United States, American sports fans would be able to place wagers on games and the teams they love. The sports media would have new ways to cover games, and leagues would earn more revenue through betting partnerships. Legalized sports betting is a lot like legalizing marijuana, which is still illegal but has not become a socially unacceptable vice.
Disadvantages
The pros and cons of legalized sports betting are a matter of debate. While some states already allow sports betting, the issue remains controversial nationwide. While it brings many advantages to fans of sports and sporting events, it also brings some disadvantages as well. Let’s look at some of these disadvantages and their solutions.
The benefits of legalized sports betting are many. First, it would give American sports fans another way to follow their favorite teams. The media would have new ways to cover their favorite games, and the state would be able to collect increased revenue from betting partnerships. It would also give sports leagues a new source of income. Additionally, legal sports betting would increase the state’s tax base and help fund senior citizen programs and public schools.
Another disadvantage is that sports organizations might not get paid for wagers they accept on the games. A bill introduced in Vermont recently would allow sports betting licensees to offer credit and extend credit to customers. It’s unclear whether this bill will pass, and there are some other obstacles to the legalization of sports betting in the United States. The first step would be to establish a regulatory framework that allows the state to regulate gambling. This process would require the cooperation of state regulators and sports organizations. Then the regulators would need to consider whether to treat daily fantasy as “sports gambling.”
Another disadvantage is the potential for corruption. Legalized sports betting might increase the number of crimes committed by sports betting operators. However, it could also create a new revenue stream for tribes in these states. In addition, sports betting might bring more income for major events in Las Vegas.
Federal excise tax
The federal excise tax on legalized sports betting is a controversial tax that can make or break a sports betting business. Some states have resisted it, while others have embraced it. In Colorado, the state legislature approved sports betting in February, in part to fund the state’s water plan. The state government has estimated that the sports betting tax could bring in $16 million in the first five years and $6.6 million in 2020 and 2021.
The federal excise tax was first introduced in the 1950s, and requires licensed sportsbooks to collect a 0.25% tax from bettors. The idea behind the tax is to discourage illegal sports betting. But in reality, the tax makes illegal sports betting lines even more tempting. This is why two members of the US Congress, Dina Titus of Nevada and Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, have introduced a bill to repeal the tax.
The tax is an unnecessary burden on legalized sports betting, and it is not serving a dedicated purpose. It represents an additional cost for legal sportsbooks and deters consumers from moving to a safe, regulated channel. But, fortunately, Congress can help legal sports betting flourish by repealing the federal excise tax. In the meantime, the AGA engages state regulators and legislators in an effort to ensure that policy frameworks encourage consumers to move away from the illegal market.
In addition to repealing the federal tax on legal sports betting, the bill also aims to remove a loophole that allows sports betting operators to avoid paying taxes in the first year. This loophole has allowed illegal operators to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes during that time.
Growing popularity
A recent survey revealed that 55% of sports fans in the United States are interested in legalized sports betting. This is more than twice as high as the overall rate of U.S. adults. However, people’s interest in betting is different from their ability to participate, which is dependent on whether or not they live in a state that allows gambling on sports. Currently, pro-gambling legislation is pending in seven states, and these laws could eventually expand sports betting beyond the current 22 states.
In many other countries, regulated and legal gambling has already been implemented for many years. The results are promising. While bettors will continue to enjoy their betting live, they are protected from predatory behavior. Especially in countries like India, where people love to bet on cricket and the English Premier League, an effort to legalize all aspects of gambling is important.
On top of that, bettors should always inform themselves about sensible strategies for sports betting. This helps to maximize winnings and reduce losses as well. Nobody should just listen to their gut when placing bets. There should always exist a clear strategy behind each and every bet.