The Supreme Court of the United States issued 2 opinions on Monday, but neither were on Murphy vs. NCAA (formerly Christie vs. NCAA); the case that would repeal PAPSA (federal prohibition on sports gambling) and legalize sports betting within the state of New Jersey. While the challenge is focused on the NJ’s ability to offer wagering on sporting events, the case has far reaching implications; any decision related to federalism (grants States independent power & responsibilities) and/or commandeering (illegal for the federal government to force states to adopt policy), could shape future legal arguments on gun control, marijuana and immigration. The SCOTUS will next issue opinions on April 2nd.
Howie Long-Short: The NBA and MLB are doing their best to prevent West Virginia’s sports betting law from being enacted (because it lacks the “integrity fee” they are seeking); but, their reasoning has to do with precedent, not profits. Should the State of West Virginia pass the law, they would become the 5th state (NJ, NY, PA + NV) with sports betting legislation on the books; none of which have agreed to cut the NCAA or any professional league in on the profits. As that number continues to grow, the leagues lose any leverage they may have in negotiations; and with upwards of 25 other states interested in exploring/passing sports betting legislation, the financial stakes are high. Don’t expect to see the state of West Virginia caving to the demand of the wealthy pro sports owners though, no pro sports team calls the state home; the leagues hold little leverage here.
Fan Marino: March is gambling awareness month, but nothing prevents me from betting the house on a “sure thing” like watching a bad beat. On Saturday afternoon, Purdue led Penn State 78-64 with 15 seconds remaining. Shep Garner (PSU) hit a 3, stole the ball as Purdue tried to dribble out the clock and then hit another 3; bringing the team within 8 points at the final buzzer. The point spread? You guessed it, 8.5 points.
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