By Wray Haynes

In a somewhat surprising move, SCOTUS stood with the state of New Jersey in striking down federal laws regarding sports betting. Stating that the states need to decide whether or not they approve or not of sports books, they reverse the ruling from several years ago. Now, Nevada isn’t as special, and stocks of Caesar’s Casino, in particular, have bumped up noticeably.

Why is this important? It takes the power from the federal government and allows the 10th amendment to rule again. While this week the high court declined to hear a case that would have been an interesting ruling for the 2nd amendment, this is a nice change. Let me reiterate – The states have been empowered, and the feds got their nose rubbed in it.

The majority ruling marks a HUGE victory for the states. It creates problems for certain tax-exempt organizations that now have to change specific guidelines – NFL and Roger Godell I’m looking squarely at you. It means that now, you can actually bet the games. And by all appearances, ANYONE can start a sports book. All you need is a board with odds, a counter, and enough cash to cover your bets.

Finally, a ruling that the common man can live with. A decision that frees up the states to decide how they want to apply logic and law, and it should be left to the people. I, for one plan, to celebrate by putting $5.00 on every Steelers, Penguins, and shudder Pirates game in the upcoming season.

While there are several cases pending that, have the ability to alter the political and private sector radically, let’s take a minute to raise your beverage of choice to legal sports books nationwide. Cheers!