The gambling community has absolutely taken off in recent years.

Nowadays, there are so many unique ways to have fun as a gaming fan. There are mobile apps, fun games and fully digital casinos, like Bovada Casino (take a look here for a handy review). Even in-person casinos are getting in on the action, with virtual reality games and impressive online presences. There’s never been a better time to be a gambling fan.

Across America, there are some particularly notable places to head to for gambling fun. More specifically, states like New Jersey and Las Vegas have been making waves in the sports betting communities. Sports betting is incredible for a number of reasons, and has become very popular with the American betting crowd.

However, sports betting is not fully legal everywhere in America. One of the most notable states that does not accept sports betting so far is New York, which is what we’re going to be looking at in this blog post. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at why New York hasn’t fully legalized sports betting, where you can bet on sports in America and the pros and cons to legalization.

Why isn’t sports betting completely legal in New York?

Firstly, why isn’t sports betting legal in New York right now? The main reason why is that the New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, is still very opposed to the idea of sports betting.

He is very actively against the idea of gaming being expanded upon in the state any further than it already is. As this handy article points out, he does not see a future with sports betting or gambling for the New York community, which is disappointing. Supporters of legalization believe that this decision will harm the state, not protect it.

Where is sports betting currently legal in America?

Of course, there are states in America who have not followed New York’s example. As this Business Insider article notes, the main states who have legalized sports betting are;

  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Tennessee
  • West Virginia

Of course, it’s worth noting that legislation on gambling is incredibly inconsistent. As you may notice when reading the linked article or even just the list above, there are varying levels of legality (New York is featured in the article to a degree) between the states.

What are the benefits of fully legalizing sports betting?

There are a number of reasons why sports betting should be fully legalized, one of them being protecting the public. To be completely blunt for a moment, people are always going to find a way to bet and to to gamble. Isn’t it better that they’re gambling somewhere safe and regulated? Legalization is an act of public protection for many things, including gambling.

Another reason why legalization would be positive is that it would create a lot more revenue for the state. Currently, a lot of revenue is going from New York pockets directly into New Jersey companies- and full legalization could switch this tide.

Generally speaking, legal gambling is incredibly beneficial for both the community and the economy. The economy gets a boost, more jobs are made and people can have more fun too.

Are there any downsides to legalizing sports betting?

Of course, there are negative aspects to the full acceptance of sports betting that it’s worth considering. Many opposers to the gambling scene believe that the full legalization of sports betting will lead more new people down the path of gambling, and lead to higher rates of gambling addiction in the community.

Furthermore, full legalization might create more risk of loss and compulsive behaviours amongst existing players. Sports betting is notorious for having flashy advertising campaigns and glitzy offers, and many fear this may put people at risk.

This is why it’s so important for sports betting companies to step up and provide adequate protection and resources for their customers who need an extra hand to monitor themselves.

Where might New York’s betting scene go this year?

It’s worth considering the fact that the movement to fully establish sports betting might take place in New York this year. After all, the community is incredibly determined, and there are so many success stories to consider in terms of revenue, safety and business performance- like New Jersey or Las Vegas, for example.

In conclusion

As you can see, the debate surrounding this topic is fierce. Those who support sports betting are calling for the legalization of it in New York, pointing to factors like economical boosts, job creation and support for those with gambling problems. There are undeniable benefits of sports betting legalization, that’s for sure.

On the flip side, those who oppose it are worried about factors like addiction, abuse of vulnerable people and illegal gambling practices. The opposition to legal gambling in New York is certainly fierce, and we’re sure to see this debate go even further as we move into 2020.

One thing that is hard to deny when it comes to legal sports betting is that it offers a lot more protection for people. It offers job protection for those working with gambling companies who are active in multiple states, and it also offers protection for gamblers so they can play safely. It also encourages resources for those with gambling addictions.

Here at the New York Rangers blog, we’ll be following this story with great interest. After all, sports and fitness in the New York area is what we know and love, and we’re always trying to bring the latest stories to our audience. If you enjoyed this blog post and want to read more of the same genre, take a look here at our full website.

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