S 2267 will prohibit all legalized gambling on high school and college sports, and the Winter and Summer Olympics Games. It will close a loophole in current federal law that allows four states to conduct high school, collegiate and Olympic sports gambling within their jurisdiction. The need for this legislation is well-documented. In the 1990s, there were more point shaving scandals even though gambling on college sports is illegal in 49 states. Eight major universities were cited for point shaving.
Bookies are available on hundreds of college and university campuses in the nation.
Concerned that many Americans do not know that the majority of sports wagering in America is illegal, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report released last year recommended that betting on collegiate and amateur athletic events that is currently legal be banned altogether. We add our voice of support for S 2267. The United Methodist Church opposes the growing legalization and promotion of gambling. Please vote for S 2267 without any weakening amendment.