The bills technically would only affect gambling in Nevada, but they would have far-reaching implications across the country, proponents say. They have met strong opposition from the gambling industry and Nevada's entire congressional delegation, which call the bills "seriously misguided" and a threat to the state's economy.
A 1992 federal law outlawed sports betting in most parts of the country but allowed it to continue where it was already authorised by state law. Along with Oregon's state lottery, which allows wagers on pro football, Reno, Las Vegas and other parts of Nevada were the only areas to benefit from this ?grandfather clause?.
Advocates of the bills, sponsored by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., say banning Nevada college gambling operations will eliminate a channel that illegal bookies across the country use to cash in on their collected wagers.
