If you filled out a "March Madness" bracket for an office pool or even a bet between friends, you actually broke the law. In Pennsylvania engaging in any kind of sports betting pool where a dollar amount is wagered, is not permitted.
But a State Senator is trying to change that.
The law is the law. Even throwing in five bucks in a "March Madness" bracket doesn't seem criminal.
"People aren't gambling away pay checks, it's a friendly wager." Said Steve DeFrank, Chief of Staff for Senator Lisa Boscola. He says even though Senator Boscola is trying to get that law changed, the legislation isn't going to get through before Tuesday night's NCAA play-in games. "Certainly not going to have it for this March Madness, as much as we would like to, certainly not going to have it."
DeFrank is talking about Senate Bill 483, which was introduced a week after the Superbowl.
The bill would decriminalize friendly wagers, as long as there are no more than 100 people taking part in them, the amount wagered doesn't exceed $20 and it's between people you know like family, friends or people at work.
"If people want to bet on a game they are so obsessed about, then they should be able to bet on it." DeFrank said.
Reality is, most people have no problem with a friendly wager. Boscola's staff thinks making it legal is a no brainer. "This is a no brainer, majority of people don't even know its against the law to do."
