AGA launches new lobby group to overturn federal ban on sports betting
New American Sports Betting Coalition says legalized betting can generate $5.3bn in tax revenue
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has launched a new lobby group tasked with overturning the US federal ban on sports betting outside of Nevada.
The American Sports Betting Coalition (ASBC), which will be based in Washington for lobbying purposes, will bring together lawmakers, gaming industry figures, and law enforcement officials in its bid to overturn PASPA.
“Big Government’s 1992 sports betting prohibition has failed to protect sports, fans and communities,” said Geoff Freeman, president of the AGA.
“We are partnering with local and state elected officials, law enforcement and other diverse interests to tell Washington to get out of the way. Regulated sports betting is what fans want and sports integrity demands.”
The ASBC cited new estimates from Oxford Economics that legalizing sports betting in the US would curb a $150bn illegal market while supporting up to 152,000 jobs, creating an estimated $26bn in economic output and generating up to $5.3bn in tax revenue.
“PASPA is unconstitutional and a failed law,” said Brad Schimel, Wisconsin’s attorney general, who is backing the new coalition.
“I, along with several of my colleagues from other states, believe we must respect state sovereignty. The rampant illegal sports betting that currently exists continues to fuel other criminal activities and provides no consumer protections. States should be able to determine for themselves how to address the issue.”
Seven states have introduced sports betting bills in 2017 despite the federal prohibition, while New Jersey is still hoping to fight PASPA in the Supreme Court.
Public support for the activity also exists with almost six in 10 Americans supporting the repeal of PASPA, according to a national survey by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner.
“Our nation’s mayors are the closest elected officials to the people,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.
“The overwhelming majority of Americans agree that allowing sports betting is something for the people of each state to decide, not the federal government. Also, the potential revenue would be great for our local economics; and the tools for law enforcement would make our communities safer.”