There would be a massive loss in the Atlantic City of New Jersey if the case advocates for the eradication of sports betting. The case has been going on for some time now and the moment of truth is about to unfold itself once the final ruling is done this month.
A brief history of New Jersey’s battle for legal sports betting
It started back in 1992 when sports league asked the Congress to pass the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) which claimed that no other state could legalize sports betting apart from Nevada which had initiated it before.
20 years later in 2012, New Jersey tried to legalize it but the sports leagues took a swift action where they forbid the act by moving to the court. In the first attempt, the state lost and this was the trend in the appeal case.
Since PASPA was unconstitutional, New Jersey went ahead in incorporating sports betting claiming that they were not under state laws but was governed by the federal laws. However, in 2014, Gov. Chris Christie claimed that sports betting would only take place casinos and racetracks.
What’s at stake?
If the state wins the case, it would promptly call for the strong partnership between Monmouth Park racetrack and British betting firm William Hill in incorporating sports betting for football which kicks off this September. In 2014, the total amount accrued from gambling was $3.9 billion with almost a half of this emanating from football betting. This explains why football is the most popular game in the state. It was followed by basketball with $1.1 billion with baseball coming in third with $722 million.
Why is the NBA suing to prevent legal sports betting if Commissioner Adam Silver has come out in favor of it?
Adam is for the sport betting legalization. Actually he demands the eradication of PASPA and the full control of gambling market be accorded to sports leagues and law enforcements. Some even argue that Adam wants some backing from other commissioners in attempt to eradicate sports betting.
The losing side can appeal the case but it would take a long time as it involves all 23 panel judges’ consideration unlike the three who would make the final call.
This article is published in: Sports Betting
Tags: football, Legislation, NBA, New Jersey, William Hill
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