The North Dakota House passed a measure to legalize betting on professional and college sports – after the bill struck out on the first at-bat.
It originally fell two votes short of the 48 it needed. But it was brought back, and passed 52 to 38.
The sponsor -- Rep. Jason Dockter (R-Bismarck) told the House you can already bet on spots on-line.
"I will admit, it is an expansion (of gambling)," Dockter said. "But it's already here."
Dockter says the bill also include more money for gambling addiction treatment. But that didn’t appease Rep. Dan Ruby (R-Minot).
"By this expansion, we are just adding to the problems we have with gambling addiction," Ruby said. "Then we'll break our arms, patting ourselves on the back because we put more money towards counseling."
Under the bill, charities would be able to offer sports betting.
The bill will now be considered in the Senate.
