• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

Want to Bet on Olympic Gymnastics? Not in These Two States

  • Louisiana and Massachusetts regulators banned wagering on judged sports.
  • Equestrian, breakdancing, and surfing are among those off the board.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Paris Games are expected to be the most heavily bet Olympics in U.S. history, but a few of the most popular sports are off the board in two of the 38 states (plus Washington, D.C.) with legalized betting. 

Louisiana and Massachusetts don’t allow betting on judged events, meaning betting operators can’t accept wagers on gymnastics, equestrian, breakdancing (official name is breaking), surfing, and BMX freestyle. 

“Regulators don’t like operating in a gray area—and these kinds of sports present a gray-area problem,” said Ronnie Jones, a former chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. “If we make a decision in Louisiana, I am sure the other 38 jurisdictions might go, ‘What are they thinking?’ But at the end of the day, the chairman and that gaming control board are responsible for what happens in that jurisdiction.”

The ban on judged sports in the two states shows the patchwork of regulations that have arisen since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018. The decision cleared states to offer legalized sports betting that Nevada had the exclusive lock on for decades. In turn, it has resulted in differing standards in each jurisdiction. 

Louisiana gambling regulations spell out that results must be “determined on the field of play and can be proven by a box score or statistical analysis” in order for bets to be taken in the state. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted in January 2023 “to exclude Olympic events [whose] outcome relies primarily on the assessment of a judge or panel of judges,” a spokesperson for the body told Front Office Sports.

But the two states have differing views on boxing. Louisiana allows Olympic boxing bets, while Massachusetts does not. 

And just because states allow betting on sports and events, that doesn’t necessarily mean operators like DraftKings and FanDuel will offer such bets. At best, bettors in states that allow betting in judged competition will be able to wager on only about 60% of the 329 medal events at the Paris Games. 

“The sports that are most popular are the ones that are truly American sports, like men’s and women’s basketball,” said Jay Kornegay, a longtime VP at Las Vegas’s SuperBook at Westgate. “Events like running and swimming events receive very, very little action.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 13, 2024; Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Bryson DeChambeau of the Crushers GC and Brooks Koepka of the Smash GC shake hands after the first round of the LIV Golf Chicago tournament at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

DeChambeau, Koepka Hope Showdown Helps Unite LIV–PGA Tour

The golfers will compete against Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

More to A’s Offseason Spending Plans Than Meets the Eye

Revenue-sharing guidelines are helping fuel the increased spending.

As Wizards Hit Historic Low, Leonsis Calls Season ‘Very Productive’

They’re on pace for one of the worst records in NBA history.

College Football Playoff Teams Paid $27M for Non-Conference Schedules

Texas led the way with three games that cost $4.9 million.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
DraftKings

Sens. Say DraftKings, FanDuel May Have Conspired to Crush Competition: ‘One Company’

The senators asked the FTC and DOJ to investigate the gambling companies.
DraftKings
November 8, 2024

DraftKings Lowers Full-Year Guidance After Brutal NFL Outcomes

DraftKings cited a tough start to the fourth quarter in lowering its 2024 guidance.
December 4, 2024

Poker Pro Pleads Guilty to ‘Massive’ Sports Betting Tips Fraud

Cory Zeidman ran a scheme that amassed $25 million over 14 years.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Sports betting Analyst Steve Coughlin gives out high-fives on the set of ESPN's College Game Day at the University of Texas, ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Georgia Bulldogs in Austin, Oct. 19, 2024.
November 7, 2024

ESPN Bet at Critical Point As Penn Reports Quarterly Earnings

The two sides agreed to a 10-year deal last August.
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 6, 2024

Missouri Becomes 39th State to Legalize Sports Gambling

Missouri was the only state with sports gambling on its ballot this election cycle.
November 5, 2024

On the Ballot: Sports Betting, Former Athletes Impacting the 2024 Election

Several U.S. Senate candidates have sports backgrounds, while Missouri voters will consider legalizing sports betting.
Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump rally.
November 4, 2024

Sports Betting Companies Holding Comic at Arm’s Length After Trump Rally

Hinchcliffe drew criticism over his comments at a rally for Trump.