Though the exact point at which sports betting began is unknown, this activity is likely as old as sports are. Sports gaming has a storied history, and the future has lots in store for gaming in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other major casino destinations.
A Major Milestone: Ancient Sports Gambling
The roots of gambling on sports goes back to ancient societies. The exact date when someone first placed a wager is unknown, but we do know that Romans thousands of years ago placed bets on chariot races. The Olympics are another excellent example of ancient gaming. The first Olympic Games were held in Greece in 776 B.C., and people gambled on who would win the various events. Though we've seen some new ways to bet and some new sports, we can trace the basic concept back to these early gamers.
The Birth of Contemporary Gaming: Horse Racing in the UK
Betting gained significant popularity when horse racing become a beloved sport in the UK. Starting in the 18th century and on into the next decade, horse racing — and betting on the races — gained popularity worldwide. Horse racing is still one of the most popular sports, next to football and soccer, that attracts modern gamblers.
The Legality of Modern Sports Gambling
Sports gambling today is tightly regulated, and it's not always legal everywhere you find it. Indeed, the legality of this activity has been a point of contention in the United States. Even today, some consider it an activity that should be illegal and others see it as a fantastic opportunity to generate some tax revenue.
In states where sports gambling is not illegal, people often take it upon themselves to organize gambling rings and take bets from whoever wants to participate. Gambling busts still occur, and laws that affect gambling are always being created, revised, or removed.
The Advent of Online Gambling
The future of gaming in major casino hubs like Atlantic City will largely be swayed by online innovations and practices. As early as the late 1990s, countries began passing laws making it legal to bet on sports online. The practice has grown steadily in popularity ever since, and today, online gaming is forcing brick-and-mortar casinos to re-evaluate how they can attract customers.
Current Laws Shaping Online Gambling
In the United States, laws affecting gambling are dynamic and constantly evolving. Two major pieces of legislature — one recently passed and another pending —will greatly affect the future of U.S. sports gambling.
One in Ohio has legalized fantasy sports gambling. The other aims to repeal sports betting prohibition and will be decided by the Supreme Court in June 2018. Legislation that Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey passed at the state level, which worked around the federal ban to allow sports betting and horse racing in the state, led to the Supreme Court's reconsideration of its ban. Changes to this ruling would affect sports betting nationwide.
Sports betting is something that many people cherish, and the future has lots in store. Keep an eye on the Supreme Court's decision in June — this (and other legislature) promises to allow thousands of people to enjoy the activity that they love.
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