Here is a little nugget of information that may be a bit confusing. Betting on fantasy football is legal because it’s not really considered gambling, and betting on horse racing is also legal in many states. However, sports betting is illegal in most places across the nation. Let’s talk a little more about this as we inch closer to Super Bowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992

Ever heard of it? Chances are if you’re into sports betting you probably have. It essentially banned Super Bowl online betting on sports throughout the United States except in four states: Nevada, Montana, Oregon, and Delaware.

New Jersey’s battle

Many in New Jersey want to overturn the ban so that sports betting can be legal throughout the state. It’s been an ongoing battle for awhile now. However, back when the aforementioned ban was put in place, New Jersey could have approved licensed sports betting, but the New Year’s Day 1994 deadline came and went. So now, the battle wages on for legal sports betting in the United States.

Should it be legalized?

There are quite a few who believe that sports betting should be legalized in the United States not only for the sake of boosting revenue but also so it could increase the number of available jobs. Also, many feel that, considering the fact that it’s so widely done anyway regardless of the illegality of it, the better option would be to just make it legal so that it could be more closely monitored, thereby decreasing corruption.

With all that said, before you get involved in sports betting, it’s best to see what the rules are in the specific state you live in. The last thing you want is to get all excited over your winnings after you bet on Super Bowl 50 online only to find out you legally weren’t able to win them in the first place.