Back in the 1800s, Americans would head to the betting window in their local baseball or horse-racing parlor. While the practice of placing a wager on a sporting event wasn’t entirely illegal at the time, it was certainly frowned upon by society. That attitude started to shift around 1900 when, on September 28th of that year, the Nevada Legislature passed an act that legalized sports betting in the Silver State. The same year that Nevada legalized sports betting, New York followed suit.
Nevada was the first state to legalize sports betting, but it wasn’t the last. Since then, more than 20 states have followed suit, making it now legal for millions of Americans to bet on their beloved sports teams. It wasn’t just about getting rich quickly. The legalization of sports betting helped fuel the growth of the internet, as online sportsbooks (i.e. ones that operate over the internet) emerged to fulfill the market demand.
How Do I Place A Bet On A Sports Game?
If you’re a resident of one of the states where sports betting is legal, then you’ll most likely know exactly how it works. You’ll go to a bookie (i.e. a person willing to make wagers) and place a bet on the sporting event you wish to follow. After agreeing on the wager amount, the bookie will give you a call to notify you when the sporting event you chose has ended.
If you’re a resident of one of the remaining 18 states where sports betting is illegal, then you’ll have to do a bit of research before setting up an account at an internet sportsbook. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of sportsbooks that accept players from all 50 states so that you can place a wager when and where you want. Just remember: always bet on sporting events your state has legalized for betting, and avoid wagering on those below in states where it’s illegal.
When Did The Spread Become Standard In Football Betting?
As previously stated, in 1900, Nevada became the first state to legalize sports betting. Within a year, New York passed a similar law and the rest, as they say, is history. The acceptance of the spread bet (i.e. people wagering on both teams going into the final score) in football is generally attributed to Bert Millers, who, at the time, was the sports editor of the New York World. After witnessing the havoc made by point-spread betting on major college campuses, Bert felt that it should be made easier for the general public to participate in sports gambling. Thus, the acceptance of the spread bet in football.
When Did Punter And Totals Betting Become Mainstream In Horse Racing?
Horse racing was around before 1900, but it wasn’t an organized sport. That all changed in October of that year, when the Nevada Legislature passed an act which allowed for the legalization of pari-mutuel wagering and the establishment of racetracks across the state. The same year that Nevada legalized sports betting, New York followed suit and passed a similar law.
The practice of punter and totals betting, where bettors make wagers on the final score of a sporting event, was first made popular in football after Ken Venturino of the Philadelphia Eagles figured out a way to make money off of it in 1987. To this day, punter and totals betting are still prevalent in major college football and professional football.
Do I Need To Check The Laws Where I Live To Place A Bet On Sports?
The answer to this question will vary from state to state. Some states and/or municipalities may place restrictions on where you can place your wagers, especially if you’re not of legal age. Also, make sure that the bookie you choose is licensed in your state, as well as regulated by the appropriate legal bodies (e.g. the Federal Antitrust Division for wagering on sports in the US).
When Did Pari-mutuel Wagering Become Mainstream In Baseball Betting?
Pari-mutuel wagering, where fans can gamble on the winning odds of a sporting event, was first made popular in the United States when it was introduced in 1893. That same year, Nebraska followed suit and became the first state to implement a pari-mutuel wagering system for horse racing. In 1900, Nevada and New York became the first two states to legalize the practice for sports betting.
The first baseball pari-mutuel betting shop was opened in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1914. During the first year of the new century, Delaware, Missouri, and Oregon also passed legislation allowing for the legalization of pari-mutuel wagering. It wasn’t until 1961, however, that the Justice Department finally ruled that Major League Baseball can and must be licensed in each state where it operates, which required the approval of all 50 states. Prior to that, the federal government didn’t have any say in the legality of sports betting outside of the United States.