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All eyes have been on New Jersey this week as Governor Chris Christie signed a measure into law that would allow online gambling within the Garden State.
Perhaps this will serve as a positive harbinger as a judge is set to rule on whether New Jersey is permitted to introduce legalized sports betting.
New Jersey is fighting the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which limits sports wagering to four states. Four professional sports leagues and the NCAA are fighting to prevent the state from offering sports bets.
Last month, the US Department of Justice intervened in support of the plaintiffs.
The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association (iMEGA), which has been instrumental in assisting New Jersey in pushing forward with attempts to legalize sports betting, offered a somewhat optimistic assessment of the matter.
“While the decision by the US Department of Justice is disappointing, it has little bearing on the heart of the matter - that this law preventing New Jersey from regulating sports betting is unconstitutional. DOJ’s presence will make it more interesting, but won’t make a difference.
“New Jersey only wants to do what Nevada and Delaware are free to do - regulate and tax sports betting - to save Atlantic City’s casinos and the state’s race tracks. It is confusing why the Obama administration would oppose a law approved in New Jersey by a 2-to-1 margin in a reliable “blue state”.
”And though it’s not likely that US Attorney-General Eric Holder made this decision based on his recent work as counsel and crisis manager for the NFL, it is legitimate to ask why the DOJ would side with billionaire team owners over the voters of New Jersey.
U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp is expected to make his decision some time in March.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
