To commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that has driven billions of dollars in illegal bets since 1992, the American Gaming Association has released a list of the 24 reasons the federal ban should be overturned.
“Americans have shown an overwhelming desire to bet on sports,” said Sara Rayme, AGA’s senior vice president of public affairs. “The federal ban on sports betting has failed and AGA will continue to engage in thoughtful discussions with key stakeholders on how best to address this outdated law.”
AGA’s list of the 24 reasons PASPA should be overturned is led by the $150 billion illegal sports betting market that grew by $10 billion from 2014 to 2015.
Among the points made:
- Of the $4.2 billion wagered on Super Bowl 50, nearly 97 percent was bet illegally.
- Money from the illegal sports betting market often fund other forms of illicit crime.
- Sports betting in the United Kingdom has become commonplace and is done in a legal regulated market.
- The thriving illegal market and lack of regulation create an atmosphere ripe for manipulation.
- Research shows that betting drives massive ratings for NFL games.
- Millions more viewers would bet on games if sports betting were legalized.
To review the full list, click here.
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