Sports Gambling Sham by Leagues Exposed by Delaware
With a feel of desperation creeping over the moves of US sports associations fighting Delaware's sports gambling lottery, the consortium of leagues has filed an appeal to a judge's decision to refuse an injunction stopping Delaware. Now, attorneys for the state have responded to the motion, saying the group wants quick decisions that won't allow courtroom exposure of their intricate ties to gambling.
Filing late on Wednesday, Delaware's representatives say a full and proper hearing is feared by the NFL and its cohorts, worried that the multitude of gaming benefits they enjoy will be publicized.
League attorneys asked the US Third Circuit Court of Appeals to overrule Judge Gregory Sleet and shut down the sports betting facet of the state lottery until a trial is complete, a process which could take years. But Delaware attorneys say the leagues will suffer no harm if the lottery operates while the case is considered, and suggest that various ties by leagues to lotteries and casino sponsorships could embarrass the organizations in a detailed proceeding.
Even more so, the implicit acceptance of illegal sports gambling and its contribution to the success of the NFL and other sports leagues may be explored, leaving the leagues having a hard time defending their opposition to regulated sports betting.
Delaware Park General Manager Andrew Gentile told the Philadelphia Daily News that the estimated total of all US sports betting is at least $300 billion.
"If there is already $300 [billion] to $500 billion being wagered in sports, how is $150 million in Delaware going to affect the integrity of the game?" asked Gentile.
