Why should sports betting be legal?
Sports betting should be legal because not only is it another way for fans to enjoy action, but it's also a boost to the economy.
Most people who follow sports are interested in sports betting because it makes the games more enjoyable and it gives fans something else to cheer for. After legalization, sports betting also became safer.
Safer
Instead of fans flocking to offshore betting sites when they can't go to Nevada to bet on sports, legalized sports betting brings wagering to the people. Despite being illegal from 1992 to 2018, sports betting was still a popular activity among fans. The problem was that most people were doing it illegally with a bookie or online through an offshore betting site.
Once PASPA was shot down in 2018 and sports betting started legalization on a state-by-state basis, there were few reasons to continue betting at offshore sites. And so, legalized sports betting reduced the amount of people betting at illegal operations.
More Money
The main reason PASPA was struck down was because of the money. Nevada makes hundreds of millions of dollars per month from sports betting revenue and it only made sense for other states to join the business. When sports betting was illegal, states simply weren't making any money from it because it wasn't offered.
Following the repeal of PASPA, each state could pass laws and add regulations to tax sports betting within their borders. Along with sports betting comes money as states are allowed to tax sportsbooks as they see fit. This new form of revenue for states can go to any number of areas from schools and health clinics to construction and road work.
More jobs
Getting more money for states is nice, but opening sportsbooks across the states also adds new jobs. That means new jobs at casinos or standalone sportsbooks for oddsmakers, analysts, cashiers and security. Everyone likes new jobs, especially ones that require a physical presence.
More regulations
Legalized sports betting also leads to more regulation and the ability for states to offer help to those suffering from addiction. If you're a casual bettor and find no joy in betting on sports, it may be best to stop wagering. If it's become an issue, there are numerous resources that can help across the country. There are online guides, readily available access to addiction centers and a National Problem Gambling Helpline.
More fun
In addition to betting in person with your friends at physical sportsbooks, legal betting just feels better than doing it illegally. While there have always been questions about the integrity of offshore betting sites, legalized sports betting will never have that problem because there are regulations and laws in place. That's where places like DraftKings and FanDuel enter the picture, as legalized sports betting expands.