Betting on the outcome of sports is common in many countries, but not across most of the USA. That now looks set to change as a ruling by the Supreme Court has paved the way for individual states to legalize sports betting. And as Dan Williams reports, the shift is likely to bring both winners and losers.

Race night at the Hawthorne racecourse on the outskirts of Chicago. A little after 7 pm, and the first event of the night gets underway. Racing is currently one of the few sporting events where betting is allowed in most U.S. states. But that's set to change following a ruling by the Supreme Court that gives each state the right to legalize sports gambling. The ruling means people across the country will soon be allowed to bet on the outcome of sports such as football, baseball and basketball.

KEITH LAMBRECHT DIRECTOR OF SPORT MANAGEMENT, QUINLAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS "It's a way to generate revenue. So it is inevitable this is going to happen. People are already betting on sports via illegal gambling. Sports betting is probably a 50 billion dollar to a 150 billion industry. In a couple of years, that may be 200 billion dollars as we learn how to bet."

One research firm estimates sports betting will be legal in 32 states within five years. Major professional sports leagues had opposed the move over fears it could impact the integrity of sports. But they may now target a slice of the market.

DAN WILLIAMS CICERO, ILLINOIS "A number of racecourses across the country have struggled in recent years. Those here hope this potential opening up of the sports betting market will now provide a boost to the industry."

Peter Galassi has been the racetrack commentator here for almost forty years. He believes the move could be a savior for many courses.

PETER GALASSI HAWTHORNE RACECOURSE TRACK COMMENTATOR "I think you'll introduce more people to sports racing. People are going to come in here and make a bet on a football game. Football games last three hours. We run a race every twenty minutes. They can sit and watch the races while betting on a football game. And you can do both. What is more exciting than that."

Across the city at Wrigley Field, fans attending a Chicago Cubs game agree change is long overdue.

"People are doing it anyway. To legalize it, capitalize on the tax revenue, I think it is a good idea."

But others warn that legitimizing gambling will come at a cost. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates gambling addiction resulted in social costs of some seven billion dollars last year. Jerry Prosapio is a former gambling addict who once owed money to a local mafia.

JERRY PROSAPIO FORMER GAMBLER "He said something to pass on to you. Your baby son has a beautifully shaped head. And then he walked away. And then I knew right then that my family could be in trouble."

Prosapio is fearful of the impact the ruling will have on gamblers.

JERRY PROSAPIO FORMER GAMBLER "I am really troubled by it. I know what it will do to people's lives like it did to mine. Very concerned especially for teenagers, college kids. They are going to double up, triple up just like me and the totals are just going to escalate."

Just as in sport there will be winners and losers with this new gambling development. But what does appear to be clear, the sports betting landscape is set for a radical change. Dan Williams, CGTN, Cicero, Illinois.