Gambling and betting on sports, have long been a controversial contention among the Leagues such as NHL, NCAA, NFL, NBA and MLB. The state of New Jersey, for the past 10 years has been fighting lawsuits against these leagues, as the state intends to legitimize sports gambling by law while the leagues disagree. In 2018, the Supreme Court of the US, had passed a judgment in favor of New Jersey legalizing betting in sports. This has now created a new order for the leagues to make policies, embracing betting and gambling in sports.
Gambling and betting in sports which are now legalized, the leagues are now looking forward and are actively participating in monetary planning, as betting generates vast amounts of money. Previously, it was only 1% of US citizens who would engage in betting, however, with new legalization of betting around 56 % of the citizens now actively engage in regulated sportsbooks. The amount of revenue involved in this sector has increased substantially over the years. In 2019 what was only $ 21.1 million of television commercials for sports books, in 2022, it has already become $ 314.6 million.
Sports Gambling & Betting Has Increased Youth Interest According To NCAA President
Commenting on the rising trends of gambling and betting in sports, Charlie Baker, president of the NCAA, has stated that betting in sports has boosted the interest of youths and young adults in sports. He further stated enquiring about the effects and results of gambling and betting may have on students or college athletes, and this contention should be understood by everyone in NCAA from coaches to the staffs of the athletic department, including the presidents of the college. However, betting in sports at the college level is not permitted in most leagues.