Feeling Lucky?

Tommy Henninger, a business major at Santa Monica College, has decided he wants to become a professional sports better. "I am good at this and I understand the risks it comes with - I spend about six hours a week doing it," Henniger said. "I will be transferring to California University, Long Beach in the fall to earn my bachelors degree in business, but sports betting will still be something I still practice throughout my college career."

Sports betting has been illegal federally (excluding a few states) since 1992, when Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). But New Jersey's recent challenge against this law in the court case led to a Supreme Court decision on Monday, May 14 ruling that outlawing sports betting was in violation of the Tenth Amendment.

Due to the nature of sports gambling, there is no guarantee that those in the industry will make a profit or even get your money back, but Henninger claims he has made a profit throughout his career.

"I actually have a positive career earnings. I am up almost 4,000 dollars." Asked if he bets daily Henniger said, "I can't really tell my strategy, but I wouldn't say every day. It's a very tough business I wouldn't recommend it; most people lose."

Due to Henninger living in California his whole life and recently turning 21, he has unique ways of placing his bets. "I have been betting online so it's really easy, but it's actually licensed in Curaçao," he said. "You can either get a check sent to your home or get a direct deposit, but they do take a small percentage away every time you cash out."

Although Henninger has made a profit up to this point, he has had his share of losses and close calls. "I bet on the Super Bowl, I bet $600 on the Patriots to win $300." He was unpleasantly surprised at the outcome of the big game. "That day I lost $600, but you have good days and bad days." The Patriots were 2:1 favorites.

After a tough loss, people may or may not consider taking a step back, but Henninger is the latter half. "Some qualities I have that help me win are I know sports really well, big math guy, and I hate losing more than I like winning."

He has put nearly $1,000 on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the last month or so. "I have some money on Lebron, I bet $300 on the Cavs to beat the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, which they did." Henninger said. "Before the playoffs started, I bet $500 on the Cavs to win the Eastern Conference Finals."

Henninger believes sporting events become more entertaining once money is wagered,"I have a positive career earnings," he said. "Why would I stop, might as well keep going if I can't lose."

Before sports gambling can pass through the California legislature, voters must pass an amendment to the state constitution. The deadline to include amendments on the November ballot is June 28.