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In an article appearing in today’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, NBA officials have conceded it is only a matter of time before sports betting becomes legalized in most US states.
New Jersey has been battling the major sports leagues in court. All claim to be opposed to legalized sports betting on a state-by-state basis though the National Basketball Association has softened its stance in recent months. Only a handful of states currently allow sports wagering, including Nevada.
“Gambling is something that is a lot more prevalent and accepted today than it was 20 years ago,” Dan Spillane, NBA vice president and assistant general counsel, told Trib Total Media. “It is more prevalent and accepted throughout the world.”
As for legalization of sports betting, Spillane provided a positive spin.
“I anticipated it would prompt a discussion, and we were pleased and we still are pleased with the quality of that discussion. I think a lot of voices are contributing to it. It's a discussion we haven't had in a long time.”
Spillane has no timetable for legalization. There is much work to be done, “but there does seem to be progress,” he said.
Even if the New Jersey effort fails again, New Jersey lawyer Dennis Drazin told the Tribune he believes legalized gambling nationwide is “inevitable” in five to 10 years. “It's time to bring it out of the closet,” he said.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
