The US Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can move to legalize sports betting, which had previously been limited to Nevada and most notably Las Vegas casinos.
It’s a decision that could have widespread ramifications for major sports leagues in the future now that the hard line that previously separated the two industries is wiped away.
Once word of the decision spread, multiple sports leagues have issued statements in response to the Supreme Court’s decision.
The statements varied in nature, but had the same overarching message which states each league will try to protect itself from spoiling the integrity of the game.
Below are the statements from the NHL and the NFL.
“The Supreme Court’s decision today paves the way to an entirely different landscape – one in which we have not previously operated. We will review our current practices and policies and decide whether adjustments are needed, and if so, what those adjustments will look like. It’s important to emphasize that the Supreme Court’s decision has no immediate impact on existing League rules relating to sports wagering, and particularly, wagering involving NHL games. So, while changes may be considered in the future, today’s decision does not directly impact the operation of the League or any of our Clubs in the short term.”
Boston Sports Journal contacted the NHL office in New York. A spokesperson said that their “existing League rules relating to sports wagering,” as referenced in the statement, prohibit obvious instances such as players wagering on games. Another spokesperson on the matter did not return a message inquiring about what the rule technicalities encompass.
The NFL statement is below as well.
NFL statement on today’s big development. pic.twitter.com/R35rY8Bql8
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 14, 2018
