Different states have varying views on LIV betting as the PGA merger gets examined.
The dispute surrounding a possible collaboration between the Saudi-financed LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has sparked a maze of laws in legal sports gambling markets in the US. Massachusetts has recently joined this list. Regulators in the state expressed apprehension regarding the league's involvement in a campaign to mask human rights violations and a Department of Justice inquiry into its potential fusion with the PGA.
At a public meeting this week, Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Eileen O’Brien stated, "Given the financial backing behind the LIV league, as well as the DOJ investigation of the merger, I would feel uneasy including it in our catalog." The commission voted unanimously to forbid wagers on LIV.
Under Investigation
LIV emerged in 2021 with funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The league attracted numerous top-ranked PGA professionals with lucrative contracts. Critics claim that the league is a means for "sportswashing" the Saudi government's reputation, which has been tarnished by cases such as the assassination of a journalist and financial connections to 9/11 attackers.
The PGA Tour was among LIV's harshest critics before abruptly changing stance in June and exploring a potential partnership with the fledgling league. Senate investigations and a reported inquiry by the Department of Justice ensued.
PGA officials testified at a Senate hearing earlier this week on the negotiations, asserting that the Saudi government was preparing to invest up to $1 billion or more in the agreement, which they argued was vital to the tour's survival.
Political Concerns
It's no shock that states are divided over whether or not to permit bets on LIV, said Gregory Gemignani, a lawyer at the firm Dickinson Wright and an instructor at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas' International Center for Gaming Regulation.
Though regulators primarily focus on preserving the integrity of sporting events, LIV has not faced any misconduct that could undermine the legitimacy of its golf tournaments. However, the geopolitical implications stemming from its ties to the Saudi government could prompt hesitation among certain officials.
"It almost seems like it's more of a political issue that nobody wants to get involved with, and I don't blame them for feeling that way," Gemignani remarked in an interview.
Each State Has Different Standards
Each state implements its unique procedures to establish what events are eligible for wagering. Some states publish explicit lists of permitted events and leagues, while others establish broader guidelines to oversee operators' behaviors.
In addition to Massachusetts, eight other states do not permit wagers on LIV: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Virginia. Betting on LIV is also currently disallowed in New York and Pennsylvania, officials confirmed.
Expected to be Approved in Montana
LIV is not presently accepted in Montana, but it plans to do so soon, according to a state lottery official.
"We're planning on adding LIV in the near future," Deputy Director Bryan Costigan said via email.
LIV is listed among the acceptable leagues in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. Betting on LIV is legal in New Hampshire and Connecticut according to current regulations, officials stated.
Newly Authorized States Deliberating Future Rules
LIV is a topic of conversation, especially given the proposed union. "We've got a list in mind, but we'll be gathering feedback from our service providers once they're licensed," said Hans Stokke, Director of Sports Wagering at the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. "In states without a calendar of permitted events, LIV generally appears to be acceptable, but the availability of odds varies."
In New Hampshire, for example, wagers can be placed on any event with a determinable outcome generated by a "reliable and independent process" and "in line with applicable laws." The state's only operator, DraftKings, is currently accepting wagers on LIV events.
In Connecticut, bettors are allowed to wager on anything classified as a sport but not on events with predetermined results, such as professional wrestling or the Academy Awards. This leaves room for LIV, but operators in the state are not currently accepting bets on the league.
Other states do not permit bets on LIV but remain open to the possibility.
In Pennsylvania, each operator submits a proprietary list of events to state regulators for approval, but the list of approvals is not available to the public.
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Source: www.casino.org
