Delaware Destroyers: NFL Challenges Sports Betting Spread

In Nevada, we take legalized sports betting for granted. A sports book is as much a part of the casino experience as a poker room or
bingo parlor.

Elsewhere, however, sports betting is the past pariah gambling activity in the nation, only slightly more upscale than taking action
on cockfighting.

Delaware and New Jersey are trying to change that and add to those states’ recession-depleted coffers. Each state faces different
hurdles.

Delaware is at a greater legal advantage because it has a partial exemption from the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of
1992. In fact, Delaware lottery officials plan to begin taking legal game bets in time for the upcoming NFL season.

That is, if the NFL and other sports leagues aren’t successful in blocking the move.

Meanwhile, New Jersey officials have filed a lawsuit challenging the Protection Act’s prohibitions. Hey, they reason, if it’s good enough
for Delaware it ought to be good enough for Jersey.

Las Vegas long ago should have made better use of its uniqueness as a sports betting center. But it might be too late for that now.