Locals weigh in on potential legalized sports bidding

As the Supreme Court ruled to legalize sports gambling Monday, everyone now wonders when will it be legal to participate in Arizona and California.

The sports betting ruling is now in the hands of state lawmakers. It would take a change in state law and for policymakers to make that change before we see any sort of sports gambling in Yuma and Imperial County.

What Monday’s ruling does is open the door for these changes in different states.

If Arizona and California decide to make changes and legalize sports betting like New Jersey, an outline of regulations and laws would need to be in place regarding zoning, taxing and include several gaming boards and tribes.

On Monday, locals weighed in on this decision.

“I think people have the right to gamble with their money. Do whatever they want,” said Jose Mallaranes, a supporter.

“I see nothing wrong with it. There’s already tribal organizations that have casinos in pretty much every single state,” said Arturo Felix, a supporter.

“I’m not for it. I just don’t think it’s a wise way to spend your money,” Dambeck Sherry, a Yuma resident who is against the legalization.

Local casinos Cocopah, Paradise, and Quechan said they have not taken a position on the ruling yet. However, the National Indian Gaming Association said it’s encouraged by Monday’s decision that paves the way for responsible sports betting. Americans illegally wager about $150 billion dollars on sports each year, according to the American Gaming Association.