PGA Tour backs sports betting expansion in US

Golf’s PGA Tour has joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB) in voicing its support for the expansion of sports betting in the US.

At present, punters in the US can only legally wager on sports in the state of Nevada, but this could change should New Jersey be successful in overturning the federal 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

Representatives from the PGA Tour were yesterday (Tuesday) in attendance at a hearing about sports betting in Illinois, alongside officials from both the NBA and MLB.

Although the PGA Tour has remained relatively quiet on the issue during recent months, the organisation said in a statement issued to Legal Sports Report that it does support proposed legislation put forward by the NBA and MLB.

The two leagues have proposed a number of rules for the proposed expansion of betting, including sports competitions being paid a so-called ‘integrity fee’, while data for wagering should only come from sources approved by the leagues.

“The PGA Tour supports the regulation of sports betting in a safe and responsible manner,” the statement said.

“We believe regulation is the most effective way of ensuring integrity in competition, protecting consumers, engaging fans and generating revenue for government, operators and leagues.

“We are aligned with the NBA and MLB in this area, and we are looking for ways to collaborate with legislators, regulators, operators and others in the industry on regulation that serves the interests of all involved.”

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