House Panel OKs Bill to Ban College Sports Betting
The House Judiciary Committee this month approved legislation to ban gambling on high school and collegiate sports nationwide, which would eliminate it in Nevada, the only state that permits such wagering.
The easy committee win was the first step for a measure that has pitted high-profile sports figures such as Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith and South Carolina football coach Lou Holtz against a powerful gambling industry. (See Black Issues, July 6.)
But the game isn’t over yet. The bill still faces opposition in the House and Senate, where supporters fear leaders may block further action. Nevada leaders are vehemently opposed to the bill, and opponents say an annual $1 billion in college wagering is at stake. Further, they say the real issue is a state’s right to determine what sort of gaming can take place within its borders. Consideration on the measure is possible in the House or Senate before Congress adjourns
this month.
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