Indiana Lawmaker To Sponsor Sports Betting Legislation

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — AP reports a state lawmaker says he’ll sponsor legislation that would legalize sports betting in Indiana if the U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of New Jersey in a case that could open to door for states to legalize gambling on sporting events. The Indianapolis Star reports more than 10 states have passed or are considering possible bills to legalize sports betting if the Supreme Court creates the opportunity for other states. According to the news outlet, while Republican Rep. Alan Morrison of Terre Haute wants to do the same for Hoosiers, his opposition would include the NCAA, as the Indianapolis-based college sports governing body does not allow any form of sports gambling, and won't even hold championships in Nevada.

New Jersey is trying to have a 1992 law- the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA) - declared unconstitutional, as it prohibits sports betting for all states except a few.

According to IndyStar, Morrison said restricting college sports betting in Indiana "would be a pretty big burden" for the state's gaming facilities.

However, Michael Pollock of the Spectrum Gaming Group said sports betting is becoming more acceptable, and according to IndyStar, says this is only going to continue.

More: indystar.com, apnews.com

Photo credit: Shutterstock