How to Bet on Politics: Everything You Need to Get Started

[TexasTowelie]

Note: I am not encouraging anyone to place wagers on the primary races. However, since some of the political sites are making projections that mirror the betting markets, I believe this is an important topic to discuss. Please keep in mind that the odds in betting markets are based upon how much is being wagered rather than reflecting an actual count of voters and that gamblers can wager on more than one candidate.

Is Betting on Politics Legal in the United States?

Gambling on political outcomes in the United States used to be considered an illegal activity, under federal and most state laws. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA); the Federal Wire Act; and, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act all stood in the way of you, the potential bettor, wagering any real money on the next round of presidential hopefuls.

In short, these laws combined used to prohibit both online and offline, USA-based sports betting, in all states save for Delaware, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. [Additional states have legalized sports betting since this article was published.]

However, in May of 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court shut down PASPA, ruling the federal restriction of legalized sports betting unconstitutional. Legalization and legislation is now determined at a state level, meaning it will be up to each individual state to decide whether or not to allow its residents to engage in sports betting, including political events.

https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/guides/how-to/bet-on-politics/