SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
New Jersey State G
New Jersey State Governor Chris Christie has officially signed the bill to repeal the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) laws within New Jersey. Chris Christie signing of the New Jersey Sports Betting Bill will allow for licensed gambling premises such as racetracks and casinos to allow sports betting wagering.
Last week the State Assembly voted in favour of the bills passing by a vote of 27-1, however in order to finalise its approval and permit the bills rulings Governor Christie signature would be needed.
New Jersey state will repeal the laws set by 1992 PASPA federal act. Casinos and racetracks that choose to offer sports betting services to consumers, will not be prosecuted by federal agencies.
Governor Christie and Senator Raymond have been staunch supporters of the bills passing. Both have stated that, sports betting would help a recovery of New Jersey’s Atlantic City economy. At present, Monmouth Park Racetrack will become the Lesniak first New Jersey Premises to allow sports wagering services, when it launches its in-house bookmaking operations on 26 October.
Opposition to the bills passing has been supported by US professional sports leagues and the NCAA, who have publically stated that they would challenge any effort to allow sports betting in New Jersey. Representatives of the sporting leagues issued warnings to New Jersey officials, stating that they would look to challenge the bills approval in the highest courts of US law and justice.
