NJ Senate approves legal challenge to sports betting ban

The resolution states that New Jersey would benefit significantly from lifting the federal ban and legalising sports betting within the state, as increased revenues would be generated and numerous jobs created for New Jersey residents.

The Senate said that it recognises the significance of legalising sports betting in New Jersey and desires to overturn the federal ban, which it says discriminates against New Jersey residents by allowing sports betting only in the states of Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana - in violation of the 10th and 14th Amendments to the US Constitution.

The lawsuit which Sweeney may now join was filed by New Jersey Senator Raymond Lesniak in March 2009, seeking to declare PASPA unconstitutional.

“Since that lawsuit was filed, legislators in Missouri, Rhode Island and Illinois have joined our effort and introduced resolutions for Congress to repeal the ban," said Lesniak in a statement following the Senate vote. "The Iowa Senate has released from committee legislation to legalise sports betting once the federal ban is lifted. The Minnesota Legislature is also considering a measure to offer sports wagering games and licensed sports bookmaking once its legal.

“Delaware, supported by a us$ 50,000 donation from its racinos, has filed suit to allow it to expand its limited sports betting authorised under PASPA. In four short months of operation, its limited form of sports betting has brought $4 million into its state treasury.”

Lesniak said that according to LVSC, a division of Cantor Fitzgerald, legalised sports betting in New Jersey would generate us$ 650 million a year in gross sports betting revenues, plus $60 million a year in state revenues.

“We dropped the ball when given a chance in 1992,” said Lesniak. “Let’s not fumble again.”