Supremes Rule Feds Cannot Bar Sports Gambling

The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law barring sports gambling, in a sweeping decision that could soon lead to legalized sports betting in dozens of states.

According to Fox News, the decision marked a defeat for the federal government and sports organizations who fought to uphold the current ban in most states.

The 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act had barred gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports with some exceptions, like Nevada. The Supreme Court ruling now gives states the go-ahead to legalize sports betting if they want.

"Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so, each State is free to act on its own. Our job is to interpret the law Congress has enacted and decide whether it is consistent with the Constitution,” the ruling said.

One research firm estimated before the ruling that if the Supreme Court were to strike down the law, 32 states would likely offer sports betting within five years.

The court's decision came in a case from New Jersey, which has fought for years to legalize gambling on sports at casinos and racetracks in the state.