Tennessee Senate panel recommends against sports wager bill

In this March 15, 2018 photo, people watch coverage of the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament at the Westgate Superbook sports book in Las Vegas. The Supreme Court has struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports. (AP Photo/John Locher) In this March 15, 2018 photo, people watch coverage of the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament at the Westgate Superbook sports book in Las Vegas. The Supreme Court has struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports. (AP Photo/John Locher)

By Associated Press March 27, 2019 1 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee Senate panel has voted to recommend against passing a bill to legalize sports betting in the state.

The Senate Government Operations Committee voted 8-1 Wednesday to make a negative recommendation on Republican Sen. Steve Dickerson’s bill. The legislation still heads to another committee for a vote, but Wednesday’s vote could hamper its prospects.

Dickerson’s legislation would allow and regulate statewide mobile and interactive sports gambling, with no brick-and-mortar locations to place bets. Dickerson said it could generate up to $50 million in revenue in its second year.

Dickerson said the bill would bring sports betting from the black market into a regulated, legal setup.

Republican Sen. Janice Bowling questioned whether people currently gambling illegally would instead do it legally.