Jeffries Introduces Bill to Decriminalize Super Bowl Pools
California Political Desk
January 31, 2008
Sacramento—Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) today introduced legislation that would decriminalize participation in Super Bowl pools, March Madness brackets, and other sports betting pools commonly found at Super Bowl parties and in offices all over the country. Under current law, participating in these types of pools is a misdemeanor crime, punishable by up to a $5000 fine and up to a year in prison. "With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner, countless Californians will take part in harmless pools at their office or amongst their friends," points out Jeffries. "At a time when we can´t keep car thieves, multiple DUI offenders and armed robbers in prison, it is silly to continue to threaten people with jail time for buying a $5 square at a Super Bowl party."
This legislation was prompted by an incident that occurred a little over a year ago in the community of Wildomar, in western Riverside County. Margaret Hamblin 73, and Cari Gardner, 39, both of Wildomar were charged with operating a $50 football pool at the Wildomar Elks Lodge. Hamblin and Gardner both plead not guilty. "The state is going to spend thousands of taxpayer dollars to arrest, investigate, and prosecute these two over a $50 football pool?" Jeffries asks. "I am sure that there are more important issues that law enforcement and our courts can be addressing."
AB 1852 would lessen this charge from a misdemeanor to an infraction punishable by a fine that is not to exceed $500. Commercial sports betting and operating betting pools for profit would continue to be treated as they are today. Jeffries believes that making this an infraction instead of a misdemeanor crime places this activity in a more appropriate category. "While our goal is not to legalize wide-spread commercial sports betting, we believe that it is important for the punishment to more closely fit the crime", stated Jeffries. "Speeding is against the law, but it isn´t a misdemeanor. A friendly wager in the privacy of one´s home or office shouldn´t be, either."
This legislation was prompted by an incident that occurred a little over a year ago in the community of Wildomar, in western Riverside County. Margaret Hamblin 73, and Cari Gardner, 39, both of Wildomar were charged with operating a $50 football pool at the Wildomar Elks Lodge. Hamblin and Gardner both plead not guilty. "The state is going to spend thousands of taxpayer dollars to arrest, investigate, and prosecute these two over a $50 football pool?" Jeffries asks. "I am sure that there are more important issues that law enforcement and our courts can be addressing."
AB 1852 would lessen this charge from a misdemeanor to an infraction punishable by a fine that is not to exceed $500. Commercial sports betting and operating betting pools for profit would continue to be treated as they are today. Jeffries believes that making this an infraction instead of a misdemeanor crime places this activity in a more appropriate category. "While our goal is not to legalize wide-spread commercial sports betting, we believe that it is important for the punishment to more closely fit the crime", stated Jeffries. "Speeding is against the law, but it isn´t a misdemeanor. A friendly wager in the privacy of one´s home or office shouldn´t be, either."
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