A California state representative, Adam Gray, has proposed a constitutional change to permit sports wagering in the state. However, this change would only come into effect if it receives approval from the state’s electorate through a statewide ballot measure.
This proposed amendment, identified as ACA 16, aims to alter Article IV, Section 19 of the California Constitution, granting the legislature the power to oversee sports betting. This would pave the way for the legislative body to establish a regulatory system and a tax structure for this industry.
Gray, who serves as the chair of the Assembly’s Governmental Organization Committee, explained that the amendment was brought forward in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling last May to overturn the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
“The Supreme Court has taken on the task of providing legal clarity on the matter of sports wagering and the constitutional rights of states,” Gray stated. “Now, the legislature has a responsibility to decide on the most sensible course of action.”
He highlighted that eight states currently authorize legal betting, and 35 states are examining legislative proposals on this topic.
Although national and regional regulations prohibit it, wagering on sporting events continues to be incredibly popular, with an estimated $150 billion in illicit sports bets placed each year.
“Regardless of our preferences, residents of California are already placing bets on sports through foreign, unlawful, and frequently unethical websites,” Gray stated.
“It’s time to expose this multi-billion dollar industry. We need to take action against illegal and unregulated online gambling and replace it with a secure and accountable alternative that incorporates safeguards to prevent compulsive gambling and underage gambling, money laundering, and deception.
Read the complete article on iGB North America.
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