KX News reports that a Sen. Larry Luick’s attempt to remove universities and colleges from House Concurrent Resolution 3002 was defeated by one vote, 24 to 23, earlier this week.
The Senate will vote on the original text of the resolution. This resolution was created to put a constitutional amendment that would allow North Dakota to legalize professional sports betting on the November 2024 ballot.
Modifications to the Resolution Text
On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary amended the language to allow sports betting. It would have been changed from “shall” to “may”
This amendment would have added to the text the phrase “to take place on professional sports”. This would have made it impossible for sports betting to be permitted in educational institutions.
Sen. Larry Luick, R-Dis. 25. Fairmount discussed the “serious mental health problems” that were reported by athletes at universities, colleges and high schools. Fairmount emphasized the importance of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and mental exhaustion, calling them “increasing intensively.”
The Senator also discussed the fact that allowing sports betting in schools could lead to financial problems for students who live on campuses that allow it.
Gambling on certain players could influence players
Sen. Luick also used the occasion to address the issue of players who might be influenced to perform in certain ways on the field by social media, depending on how much money was placed on them.
Referring to prop bets, which are side bets on sporting activities that might negatively impact athletes in North Dakota. Senator Luick used the example of athletes harassing their families to get a certain result for a upcoming match.
Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Dis. 18 Grand Forks discussed the inconsistency of Resolution 3002 regarding high school and collegiate athletics, explaining how crucial it is to maintain a clean constitution.
House Concurrent resolution 3002 was submitted to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration by Greg Stemen at beginning of the year. The Senate is the higher house of North Dakota’s Legislative Assembly. It is smaller than the House of Representatives.
The final decision on whether sports betting is allowed in North Dakota outside of tribal casinos will be made by the residents.
