Author name: Admin

Idaho is one of the states directly affected by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a 1992 law that bans sports betting throughout the country. However, sports gambling could become possible in the state based on the outcome of several ongoing legislative fronts. The sports gambling landscape potentially faces a total overhaul this year and could put Idaho residents in position to have Nevada-style sportsbooks.

Currently, Idaho sports gambling is only possible through the use of offshore sportsbooks. These sportsbooks are legally sanctioned and operate outside the jurisdiction of United States federal laws. They allow Idaho residents to get a piece of the sports betting action without fear of penalties or legal action. They also offer betting lines similar to the ones you’d find in Las Vegas.

It’s true that Idaho residents don’t have the luxury of walking into a physical sportsbook location like Nevada residents, but that could change soon. There is a bill circulating the House of Representatives right now, drafted by a New Jersey Congressman, that would give Idaho a shot at creating and implementing a legalized and regulated sports gambling market. The Sports Gaming Opportunity Act, or H.R. 783, is the bill that could alter sports gambling in the United States forever. Congressman Frank LoBiondo is the one responsible for this action and he believes that this could finally be the time where something significant happens.

The bill’s purpose is “to amend chapter 178 of title 28 of the United States Code to permit during a 4-year period States to enact statues that exempt from the operation of such chapter, lotteries, sweepstakes, and other betting, gambling, or wagering schemes involving professional and amateur sports.” Idaho would have 4 years to put together a plan for how legalized sports betting would look and operate in their state. Granted, a voter referendum would still have to take place, but state legislators would likely be able to show voters how this industry could benefit their state. After all, the profits that could be made off a regulated sports gambling market could go towards state infrastructure and programs.

This isn’t the first time New Jersey has tried to push for sports betting in the state. Governor Chris Christie has long been an advocate for it and has signed legislation that circumvents PASPA. New Jersey residents even voted the law in. The major professional sports leagues are the ones that shut it down with a lawsuit, prompting appeals from the state. There are other states like Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Mississippi that have voiced their desire for legalized sports betting, but the New Jersey case seems to be the telling point of any of their efforts.

“Over the years we have made progress on bringing sports-betting to our state [New Jersey] and I hope that a bipartisan coalition in Congress can come together in support of legalizing and regulating sports-betting,” said LoBiondo in a press release.

New Jersey may be the driving force behind sports gambling reform, but their efforts could have lasting effects on the industry, and for Idaho residents, it could open up a whole venture that brings in money for the state and promotes sports fandom.