Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association
The Court Says That Federal Law Prohibiting States From Legalizing Sports Gambling Is Unconstitutional
Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association was featured in Sports Gambling, Supreme Court Debates (Feb. 2018). The following is excerpted from the 6-to-3 majority opinion written by Justice Alito, as prepared by the Court Reporter of Decisions. When a State completely or partially repeals old laws banning sports gambling schemes, it “authorize[s]” those schemes under Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). Pointing out that one accepted meaning of “authorize” is “permit,” Petitioners contend that any State law that has the effect of permitting sports gambling, including a law totally or partially repealing a prior prohibition, amounts to…
