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Betting ban debate could come during March Madness

Friday, Jan. 5, 2001 | 9:57 a.m.

Debate about banning betting on college sports could come in the middle of March Madness, the NCAA's championship basketball tournament.

Casino and congressional officials said President-elect George W. Bush's inauguration, cabinet confirmation hearings and a weeklong congressional recess in February probably will come first.

The earliest Congress would take up the issue would be in March.

American Gaming Association chief Frank Fahrenkopf noted that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a key supporter of the ban, chairs the Senate Commerce Committee. The panel held hearings on college sports gambling during last year's NCAA basketball tournament.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has been lobbying Congress to pass a law banning sports book wagers.

Nevada's congressional delegation opposes the ban. They've scheduled a strategy meeting later this month.

Gamblers legally wagered two-point-three (B) billion dollars in Nevada sports books in 1998. State officials said 24 to 31 percent of the betting was on college sports.

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