Can Coronavirus Pandemic Aid US Legal Betting?

Coronavirus pandemic has brought major shifts in the normal culture. Day-to-day activities across the world have altered. The trends are changing everywhere as countries facing this crisis are in turmoil. 

The world of sports betting is also expecting to see this shift this year in the US. As all sports activities were shut down until recently, sports betting companies were also in crisis. But with the return of some leagues and virtual games, the betting industry is getting fueled again. 

Rules For Legal Betting In US.

In 2011, the residents of New Jersey held a referendum regarding making sports betting legal. It was successfully passed. This then became a bill. But the sports leagues were against it at that time. 

They challenged the bill court stating that PASPA was still functional in the US, including New Jersey. PASPA was the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act enacted in 1992. So sports betting was not legalized then. 

In 2018, the federal law of PASPA that made sports betting illegal was taken down. Since then each state could have its own rules regarding online sports betting. Some allowed online bets and mobile wagering. Some states make sure that all bets are placed inside a casino. It has been two years since betting was made legal, and it has become highly popular. With casinos shut down during the coronavirus pandemic, online sports betting can earn a huge benefit. 

At this point, more states will likely allow online bets. Since physical presence in overcrowded casinos is impossible now, the states might look to change their laws. The major leagues like the NBA, NHL, MLB were in support of legal betting 2018. Their influence on the industry and law-makers is crucial. 

If it seems in the best interest of these leagues, then states will have to succumb and make online betting legal. It is legal only in 20 states currently. Some states like New York tried in 2019 but failed to get online betting. Hence there are speculations that it will try again. The New York Governor is not in favor of this legalization.

How Does Online Betting Work?

Numerous websites and apps allow you to make bets legally. These are for particular states. Some run in multiple states as well. The most important aspect is that you can't simply log in once and continue using the app interstate. 

It has access to your geographical location and allows you to place bets only in the states in which it is functional. Placing a bet online is no big deal. You have to create an account on the desired website and deposit some money. From there on you can place your bets on the available ones and add the wagers to your bet slips. But one should be careful while making bets, both in casinos and online. 

There is great risk in gambling and sports betting is another form for it. You might also get in trouble for making bets from states in which it is illegal. Thus, it is a high-risk industry if one is not cautious enough.

Future Of Sports Betting.

In the current scenario, real-world sports are at hold or being canceled. Most low-level leagues have been called off. The major leagues also have a very uncertain future. But sports betting companies are still looking at the bright side of the picture. 

They wish to grab this opportunity where online betting might be made legal in more states. Hence they are turning to virtual sports for bets. The gamblers want a platform to put bets on, and betting companies are keen on providing it. Esports are one way of doing this. 

Even major associations like NASCAR are eyeing towards online gaming simulations. Video games are also being viewed. According to analysts, the online betting industry is at a loss now but has the most potential right now. If viewed positively, it can turn out to be greatly beneficial for companies. 

Alternate Ways For Betting Companies 

Another way to sustain this coronavirus pandemic is to look for alternate options. Instead of sports, many companies are launching betting pools about politics. Even TV shows are turned into betting grounds. 

It is a hard economic time for the country, and all viable options have to be explored. To keep at this, some betting companies like FanDuel and DraftKings are merely surviving on their daily fantasy businesses. 

It is time to adapt and adopt new ways. Since the entire world is finding ways of functioning online, the sports betting industry will also have to find such ways. Even the betting opportunities would have to be simulated digitally.