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NJ move marks first time those in the U.S. can bet on the Oscar from a gambling site based in the States
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Stars Group praises move
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Roma favored to win Best Picture
It was announced on Wednesday January 30 that sportsbooks in New Jersey will be permitted to take bets on the Oscars.
Outside of the U.S. Presidential elections and other major worldwide political events such as BREXIT, the Academy Awards has widely been considered the single most wagered on non-sporting event.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement nod of approval marks a first in the U.S. Before the Supreme Court landmark decision last May allowing all 50 states to offer sports betting should they so choose, Nevada had already done so. That state outlawed wagering on the Oscars and most other entertainment options however. Offshore sportsbooks, accessible to those in the U.S., have long offered wagering on the awards show.
"After numerous requests from New Jersey customers on the availability of Oscars betting, we're thrilled the DGE has authorized pre-event betting markets to be provided for this year's event," Matthew Primeaux, senior vice president of strategy and operations for The Stars Group, which operates an online sportsbook in New Jersey, told ESPN.
The Oscars will be broadcast live Feb. 24, on ABC.
- Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com
