Whenever
we turn on the TV these days or even while browsing internet pages, it has
become increasingly difficult not to spot advertising for sports betting. Not
something we saw often in the past, although times have changed and just like
many European countries, the United States has finally welcomed a pastime that
entertains millions around the world.
Of
course, here in the State of Nevada it can sometimes be hard to understand all
the fuss. Sports betting has been legal for a long time and for many years, it
was one of the few places where people could wager on big sporting events.
However, the digital age has changed all of that, creating a whole new boom
that is quickly sweeping America.
Wider Acceptance of Online Sports Betting
Nevada is
no longer the only gig in town and since New Jersey’s Supreme Court victory in
2018, any state desiring to do so can legalize sports betting. This landmark
ruling quite literally opened the floodgates, repealing a decades-old federal
law established back in the 1990’s, sending the establishment of gambling laws
back to state legislature control.
In April
2021 and according to the ESPN Sports Betting
Bill Tracker, 22 states have now successfully passed
legislature which legalizes online sports betting. Several more states are
expected to pass legislation through 2021, potentially taking the total beyond
30 by early next year. The remaining states are still actively debating and
drafting bill proposals.
All but
three state legislatures have proposals to legalize sports betting in place. As
yet, Idaho and Wisconsin have no publicly announced bills, with no plans for
that to change any time soon. Meanwhile, given the anti-gambling stance
enshrined in the Utah state constitution, it could be the one place in the US
where gambling remains completely banned.
Image: Pixabay
Nevertheless,
while the vast majority of states are embracing new bills to legalize sports
betting, alongside other online gambling legislation, many have looked towards
Nevada for inspiration. Boasting a long and successful history in the sports
betting industry, Nevada has well-established rules and regulations in place.
While the
vast majority of states across the country embrace new gambling laws, as the
most established and mature gaming market, Nevada has influenced how other
states have shaped their legislature. Nevada always features prominently as the
benchmark for gambling rules and regulations, boasting an important history and
vast experience in the sports betting industry, offering a path for others to
follow.
That
said, laws do vary considerably from state to state, due to some remaining a
little reticent about going the whole hog, so to speak. Betting on college or
minor league sports remains banned in many states, although nearly all have
legalized online and mobile wagering, alongside in-person betting at casinos
bookmakers.
Sports Grabbing the Most Betting Attention
Figures produced in 2020 by
Research And Markets highlighted that last year, the United States
online gambling market generated just over $2.1 billion, while in-person
gambling still accounts for tens of billions. An increasingly large portion of
that market is focused on sports betting, which is expected to enjoy
exponential growth over the next five years.
Part of
that growth is due to the existing appeal and popularity of major league
sports, with the professional competitions in America viewed by tens of
millions each week. In recent polls, 37% of people chose American football as
their sport of choice, followed by 11% for basketball and 9% for baseball. In
2021, ice hockey actually slid below soccer in the popularity polls.
However,
all five of those key sports attract massive audiences, with viewership
continuing to grow in the online streaming age. NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS – they
are acronyms any sports fan will instantly recognize, which is why they are
also the most popular sporting competitions for online wagering.
Alongside
the extensive coverage of every game in each of those competitions, throughout
the country, millions of people are also finding additional entertainment via
associated wagering. This can range from choosing in-game odds and betting line
outcomes, to backing individual players and teams for success, playing the long
game in the futures markets.
Predicting
who might win the weekend NFL games is always popular, while predicting the
Super Bowl winner is almost a multi-million enterprise in itself. In 2020, more
than 26 million Americans bet around $6.8 billion on Super Bowl LIV alone,
across online platforms, and at in-person sportsbook locations. That’s more
than any sporting event in modern history.
Whatever
the sporting event, one interesting fact is that with so many online
sportsbooks to choose from in each legal state, the odds can vary wildly from
one to another. This is why searching for the best US betting sites has
become common practice, reading professional industry reviews and insights,
along with browsing customer feedback and opinions.
Choosing Your Sportsbook Wisely
Just like
the sports we love, competition in the online betting arena is equally fierce.
We want to place bets and the sportsbooks want our money, although we should
always do so in moderation and with plenty of responsibility. More than ever
before, look for betting sites that serve your own preferences as the priority.
Beyond an
attractive welcome bonus and appealing promotions, the most reputable online
sportsbooks pride themselves on offering an excellent overall user experience,
plus responsive customer support whenever you need their help. Great betting
sites also earn trust with fast payouts and by protecting your private information.
Always keep these things in mind when browsing reviews.
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