The 2018 Supreme Court decision that struck down a 1992 federal law prohibiting most states from allowing sports betting has transformed the US sports landscape. By 2024, the gambling industry had become deeply embedded in US sports culture, with leagues, teams, players, and media networks now partnering with betting organizations.
Prior to 2018, Nevada was the only state permitted to offer sports betting. Today, it is legal in 38 states and Washington D.C., with an additional six states having active legislation on the matter. In February 2023, Americans bet a record $10.49 billion on the Super Bowl, a 24.8% increase from the previous year, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA).
Ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl, the AGA predicted that a record 67.8 million American adults (26%) would bet an estimated $23.1 billion on the event, a 35% increase from the prior year. Overall, the US saw nearly $120 billion in legal sports bets placed in 2022.
With the history Baseball has with gambling, I am surprised they got behind this as fast as they did.