Washington, DC – In an appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert after the Super Bowl, President Obama acknowledged that he’s participated in the nation’s new national pastime – sports betting – and joined the 47 million Americans who have bet on the Big Game. Federal law prohibits sports betting outside of Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon.

According to Sports Illustrated:

Colbert asked him if he watched the Super Bowl and began a quippy dialogue. Obama notably made a crack about sports betting.

“Of course I did,” Obama said after Colbert asked if he saw the game. “After every Super Bowl, I call the winning team to congratulate them. And sometimes I call the losing team, especially if I bet on them.” 

Colbert told him gambling was illegal, and Obama joked, “I’m the president. I hereby pardon myself.”

AGA released new research last week showing that 80 percent of Super Bowl viewers want to change current sports betting law.

In a major shift last November following months of study and deliberation by AGA and its members, the casino gaming industry announced its intent to study the implications of current law and build a coalition to determine if rational, legal alternatives exist. AGA has launched a new website dedicated to this effort which will serve as the hub of its campaign to educate and inform stakeholders and allies. The site will include up-to-date news, research and information on this dynamic issue. 

About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment.