Eight years ago this Thursday, the sports betting landscape in America changed forever. On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, a ruling that opened the floodgates for legal sports wagering across the nation. It's hard to imagine now, in 2026, that there was once a time when placing a legal bet meant a trip to Nevada—or being out of luck entirely.

The case, Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, began when New Jersey challenged federal restrictions that prevented states from legalizing sports betting. The Supreme Court ruled that PASPA violated the Tenth Amendment, which reserves for states any powers not explicitly granted to the federal government. That decision set off a wave of state-level legalizations that continues to this day.

Now, legal sports betting is available in most states, though two of the biggest—California and Texas—remain holdouts. In those states, bettors often turn to prediction markets or offshore accounts. Still, the normalization of sports betting is undeniable. It's woven into the fabric of American sports culture through ubiquitous advertising, league partnerships, and even in-stadium promotions—a far cry from the scorn leagues once showed the practice.

As one West Virginia lawmaker recently tweeted, "Happy PASPA Day. We had the legislation already passed and ready to go when the ruling came down!" That readiness was echoed in many states, and the industry has grown at a breathtaking pace.

But with growth comes challenges. Recent reports from Connecticut highlight a troubling trend: children using their parents' DraftKings and FanDuel accounts to place bets. It's a reminder that as sports betting becomes more accessible, responsible gaming measures must keep pace. For fans and bettors alike, the key is enjoying the action while staying informed and in control.