Professional sports leagues issued statements today in support of the Supreme Court's decision to allow states to legalize sports gambling.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver came out in favor of legalization in 2014, making the argument in a New York Times op-ed. He reaffirmed his opinion in the league's statement on the landmark decision. "Today's decision by the Supreme Court opens the door for states to pass laws legalizing sports betting. We remain in favor of a federal framework that would provide a uniform approach to sports gambling in states that choose to permit it, but we will remain active in ongoing discussions with state legislatures," the statement reads. "Regardless of the particulars of any future sports betting law, the integrity of our game remains our highest priority.'"
While Silver has been publicly supportive of legalized sports betting, the NBA's lobbyists have contended sports leagues should be able to restrict wagering on their own events. The NCAA, meanwhile, has lobbied against legalization entirely.
"Today the United States Supreme Court issued a clear decision that PASPA is unconstitutional, reversing the lower courts that held otherwise. While we are still reviewing the decision to understand the overall implications to college sports, we will adjust sports wagering and championship policies to align with the direction from the court."
MLB, much like the NBA, has lobbied in support of a regulatory framework.
"Today's decision by the United States Supreme Court will have profound effects on Major League Baseball," the MLB's statement says. "As each state considers whether to allow sports betting, we will continue to seek the proper protections for our sport, in partnership with other professional sports. Our most important priority is protecting the integrity of our games. We will continue to support legislation that creates air-tight coordination and partnerships between the state, the casino operators and the governing bodies in sports toward that goal."
The SCOTUS voted 7-2 to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which was passed by Congress in 1992. PAPSA prohibited states from legalizing sports betting, even though the practice was allowed in Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana.
The NFL made it clear it's still focused on –– say it together now –– preserving the integrity of the game.
"The NFL's long-standing and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our game remains absolute. Congress has long-recognized the potential harms posed by sports betting to the integrity of sporting contests and the public confidence in these events," the NFL said. ""Given that history, we intend to call on Congress again, this time to enact a core regulatory framework for legalized sports betting. We also will work closely with our clubs to ensure that any state efforts that move forward in the meantime protect our fans and the integrity of the game."
The NHL's statement contains similar language.
"The Supreme Court's decision today paves the way to an entirely different landscape – one in which we have not previously operated. We will review our current practices and policies and decide whether adjustments are needed, and if so, what those adjustments will look like," it reads. "It's important to emphasize that the Supreme Court's decision has no immediate impact on existing League rules relating to sports wagering, and particularly, wagering involving NHL games. So, while changes may be considered in the future, today's decision does not directly impact the operation of the League or any of our Clubs in the short term."
