New Jersey Sports Betting Bill to Be Ready Soon?

New Jersey Sports Betting Bill to Be Ready Soon?
Sen. Lesniak is on the go again Following the positive vote on online gambling in the US state of New Jersey, it was announced by senator Ray Lesniak that the initiative for legalization of intrastate sports betting in New Jersey in shape of a sports betting bill has been presented to the state Senate. In the Senate, the bill was pushed forward by the Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee by 4 to 1 vote. However, it seems like the new bill could be contrary to the federal government, which envisages Nevada as the only state that can offer extensive wagering on pro and college sports for adults 21 and older. But this does not seem to put Sen. Lesniak off, as he expressed optimism that the state Senate and Assembly voting favorably on the bill and seeing the measure on Governor Chris Christie's desk within 30 days. The Governor previously said he would support the decision of the New Jersey residents, and if he does and signs the bill, there will be only a federal prohibition against sports betting on its way. As mentioned before, the prohibition does not work for Nevada and, to a limited degree, Delaware, Oregon and Montana. According to Lesniak, “We have essentially set up a constitutional crisis in which the will of the people, expressed at the ballot box, has come into conflict with a flawed and ultimately unconstitutional federal law. This federal ban blatantly discriminates between states and creates a monopoly for Las Vegas casinos and illegal gambling rings.” In regard to the posting of betting lines in daily newspapers outside the states permitted to engage in sports betting, Lesniak said that it demonstrates the extent of illegal gambling taking place in the state: “Do Congress and professional sports associations expect us to believe these odds are published so New Jersey bettors can hop on a plane to Vegas to place their bets legally?” And even though both the NBA and the National Football League previously had lobbyists testify in Trenton objecting to the expansion of sports betting beyond Nevada, none of them appeared to testify at the committee vote held on Dec. 1.
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