In a 38-7 vote, with no floor debate, the North Dakota Senate rejected House Bill 1254, which would have allowed betting on professional and collegiate sports. The measure passed the House last month after it failed at first, then passed on a second vote. Sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dockter, the measure would have allowed charitable gaming organizations to offer wagers on the outcome of athletic events. Supporters said the legislation also would raise money for problem gambling services and the state general fund.
But state Senator Richard Marcellais said sports betting is “bad for social, economic and governmental policy.” North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott, after consulting with campus presidents, also announced he opposed the bill. Previously he said allowing wagers on collegiate sports could lead to tampering with athletic events and put added pressure on student athletes.
Dockter’s bill was one of two sports betting measures introduced this session. Previously the House defeated legislation limiting bets to professional sports.
