News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Tennessee Representative Ryan Williams said the Supreme Court’s decision regarding legalization of sports gambling could benefit Tennessee.
The Supreme Court voted 6-3 Monday to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, banning sports betting in all states except Nevada.
“If you have a new industry altogether then there’s probably going to be some revenue generated for the citizens,” Williams said.
The ruling allows states to create their own laws regarding sports betting.
However, Williams added there could be some potential drawbacks, including the risk of addiction.
“In states where legalized gambling occurs, you have those who have become addicted to this kind of thing,” Williams said. “It’ll be interesting to see what a Tennessee solution would be for [gambling].”
Williams said a potential bill and its content is up to Tennesseans.
“What [the bill] looks like and whether it passes is up to the people and who they send to Nashville,” Williams said.
Williams said mid-February could be the earliest a bill is drafted by legislators.
