Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comAuthor: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC|March 27, 2017
Spring is right around the corner. For some, that means one thing: warm weather. For others, that means it’s time for March Madness. Each year, millions of Americans root for teams that made it to the NCAA Tournament – whether they’re gunning for their alma mater or not – hoping to see a competitive matchup in the final game. Viewers aren’t just watching, however – they’re also filling out brackets and placing bets. Some people do it for the fun of it or for bragging rights, while others do it for a cash prize.
Last year, the American Gaming Association predicted that Americans would spend nearly $9.2 billion on March Madness bets. Of that total, only about $262 million bets will be considered legal in Nevada sports books. So what does that mean for the rest of the country? Is filling out a March Madness bracket illegal?
According to Forbes contributor Marc Edelman, who specializes in legal issues in sports, fantasy sports and online gaming, NCAA Tournament pools raise conflict over three different federal laws. Those include the Interstate Wire Act of 1961, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act and the Uniform Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. There’s also discussion that filling out a bracket violates state gambling laws, depending on where you’re playing.
Beyond certain federal laws, March Madness gambling may conflict with state laws. Online gambling, as well as casino and poker betting, is legal on a state-by-state basis. Certain forms of gambling may be legal somewhere where they would be considered illegal elsewhere. Consider this U.S. state gambling laws sheet for reference.
How likely is it that you’ll get arrested for joining your office’s March Madness pool? Slim to none, according to CNBC. Simply put, betting in the NCAA Tournament has become a part of office and everyday culture. The risk often lies in the hands of those running the pool, or those who enter a betting pool online, where proof of betting is stored. Nonetheless, the chance of repercussions is unlikely.
If you have any other questions in regard to March Madness betting pools or other legal sports information, please contact me, Anthony Caruso, at 201-806-3364.
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comSpring is right around the corner. For some, that means one thing: warm weather. For others, that means it’s time for March Madness. Each year, millions of Americans root for teams that made it to the NCAA Tournament – whether they’re gunning for their alma mater or not – hoping to see a competitive matchup in the final game. Viewers aren’t just watching, however – they’re also filling out brackets and placing bets. Some people do it for the fun of it or for bragging rights, while others do it for a cash prize.
Last year, the American Gaming Association predicted that Americans would spend nearly $9.2 billion on March Madness bets. Of that total, only about $262 million bets will be considered legal in Nevada sports books. So what does that mean for the rest of the country? Is filling out a March Madness bracket illegal?
According to Forbes contributor Marc Edelman, who specializes in legal issues in sports, fantasy sports and online gaming, NCAA Tournament pools raise conflict over three different federal laws. Those include the Interstate Wire Act of 1961, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act and the Uniform Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. There’s also discussion that filling out a bracket violates state gambling laws, depending on where you’re playing.
Beyond certain federal laws, March Madness gambling may conflict with state laws. Online gambling, as well as casino and poker betting, is legal on a state-by-state basis. Certain forms of gambling may be legal somewhere where they would be considered illegal elsewhere. Consider this U.S. state gambling laws sheet for reference.
How likely is it that you’ll get arrested for joining your office’s March Madness pool? Slim to none, according to CNBC. Simply put, betting in the NCAA Tournament has become a part of office and everyday culture. The risk often lies in the hands of those running the pool, or those who enter a betting pool online, where proof of betting is stored. Nonetheless, the chance of repercussions is unlikely.
If you have any other questions in regard to March Madness betting pools or other legal sports information, please contact me, Anthony Caruso, at 201-806-3364.
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