New Jersey Legislature Passes Sports Betting Bill

As expected, the New Jersey legislature passed a bill allowing betting on professional and college sports at casinos and racetracks. This was going to happen after the voters approved a non-binding vote wanting sports betting back in November by almost a 2-to-1 margin. The measure passed on the last day of the legislative session by wide margins, 73-0 in the Assembly and 35-2 in the Senate.

The next step in the process is for Governor Christie to sign the legislation, which is a given as he has made public statements in support of the bill. The hard work will then begin which is to revive the federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). That suit could go either way, but on the surface, a law that allows 4 states to have sports betting but prohibiting the other 46 states doesn't seem logical.

If New Jersey can have sports betting, it will be a huge advantage for their state, at least until neighboring states do the same. There is a potential political maneuver that could extend New Jersey's advantage for a long time. That maneuver would be the federal government adds New Jersey to the allowed list of states, but keeps the law in place. Nevada may be in favor of this as it recognizes the writing on the wall, but limits the infringement on its de facto sports betting monopoly in the U.S.

The Press of Atlantic City article can be found here.