SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
On Monday, New Jersey state saw the approval and passing of the sports betting bill by Governor Chris Christie. However the controversial bill is set to meet a new challenge as the four major US sports leagues (NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB) and the College Athletic NCAA filed a motion against the authorisation of the bill.
The sporting associations wish to repeal or delay the bills progress, which received a 27-1 approval vote by the States Assembly. The passing of the bill would allow New Jersey licensed gambling premises (casinos and racetracks) to allow sports betting wagering without being persecuted by federal laws imposed by the 1992 federal PASPA rulings.
Prior to its passing, the US sporting associations had issued a high court injunction against the bill. The leagues have now reported Governor Christies and his offices actions to the US District Courts, stating that the ruling to allow sports betting in New Jersey is “in clear and flagrant violation of federal laws”
US media sources have reported that the US leagues and NCAA will now have to prove to the District Courts why sports betting in New Jersey should be deemed harmful to its enterprises and industry.
A combined statement from the US sporting leagues and NCAA read
“The New Jersey Sports Betting sets out to accomplish what it unsuccessfully attempted to do three years ago: sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, license or authorise gambling on amateur and professional sports at state-licensed casinos and horse racetracks. Because this effort is no more lawful than New Jersey’s past ones, it, too, should be enjoined”.
