New Jersey Officials Push for Sports Betting | IXGAMES

Officials in New Jersey are making some moves to overturn the ban on sports betting in the state. If Senator Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) would have his way, people from New Jersey will be able to bet on the Super Bowl next year, just like the people from Nevada. He is currently seeking support from top lawmakers in his lawsuit against the federal ban on sports betting in the state. Currently, an 18-year old federal ban is in place wherein sports betting is only allowed in four states – Delaware, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. The senator’s lawsuit argues that the ban’s restriction of sports betting is unconstitutional under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Lesniak’s efforts to lift the ban It seems like Sen. Lesniak’s efforts are gaining some momentum. Just recently, a senate committee has approved the senator’s move for a constitutional amendment to allow sports betting in New Jersey. In line with his proposal, voters will decide if they will allow wagering on all professional sports and some college and amateur sports in racetracks, casinos, and online. Sen Lesniak’s efforts to court the Legislature’s support earned him the support of Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester). On the other hand, Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) is requesting more time for her to study the ramifications of the lawsuit. Time is of the essence as the senator has a March 12 deadline to get either the Legislature or the governor to back him up in his suit. For Lesniak, Governor Chris Christie is not acting fast enough. The governor is known to support sports betting in general but prefers to wait until June before he makes a commitment. A report from a commission tasked to analyze the state’s sports, entertainment, and gaming scene will be due on the said month. Most officials concede, though, on sports betting’s potential to bring in much needed money to the state. Industry representatives have forecast that the state could earn as much as $100 million a year from taxes on bets. Opposition to Lesniak’s move Despite the forecast assured income, opponents to the Senator’s lawsuit are as active in voicing their concerns. Some national sports leagues and groups formed against gambling addiction are counting on the Senator’s lawsuit becoming unsuccessful. During the voting in the Senate Committee on State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation, Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) abstained. Asked to comment, Sen. Turner says that legalizing sports betting is not the right way to fix the State’s budget problems. She adds that people should realize that the cash infusion from gambling is only a short-term solution that may bring long-term consequences. She voices her concern that legalization will lead to a rise in gambling addiction among the population, and further points out how gambling addiction can destroy people’s livelihood and families.