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A bill introduced Thursday in the US House Energy and Commerce Committee would allow states the option of legalizing online sports betting while doing away with the current Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) that bans the activity in all but a handful of states.
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey), the ranking member of the committee, is leading the legislative effort. His own state has been trying for years to legalize sports betting.
"Despite the federal gaming laws in place today, Americans are betting up to $400 billion a year on sporting events alone," Pallone said in a statement. "It's time to recognize that the laws are outdated, and the GAME Act will modernize them by increasing transparency, integrity, and consumer protections."
US President Donald Trump has already commented that he believes sports betting should be legalized.
Said American Gaming Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman, "President Trump will have sports betting legislation on his desk during his term."
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
