Pete Rose Settles in Las Vegas Before Sports Betting Boom: U.S. News & World Report
Former baseball star Pete Rose found a new home in Las Vegas long before the rest of the nation began to embrace sports betting. Rose, who was banned from Major League Baseball in 1989 for betting on games, has lived in Sin City for over 30 years.
Despite his controversial past, Rose has become somewhat of a local celebrity in Las Vegas, often seen around town signing autographs and making appearances at sportsbooks. In a recent interview with U.S. News & World Report, Rose reflected on his time in the city and how he has found a sense of belonging there.
“Las Vegas has been good to me,” Rose said. “I’ve made a lot of friends here and the city has really embraced me. It’s been a great place to call home.”
While sports betting has long been a part of the Las Vegas culture, it wasn’t until recently that the rest of the country began to legalize and regulate the practice. With the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, more and more states are now allowing residents to place bets on games.
Despite his personal struggles with gambling, Rose believes that sports betting should be legal and regulated across the country.
“I think it’s important for people to have the freedom to bet on sports if they want to,” Rose said. “As long as it’s done responsibly, there’s no harm in it.”
As the nation continues to embrace sports betting, Pete Rose remains a fixture in Las Vegas, a city that has welcomed him with open arms.