NJ Governor rejects NBA Commissioner's offer

Silver called for Christie to work together and come up with a framework for sports betting on a national  level that Congress could consider.

Christie stated that he thinks the move by Silver makes no sense, asking Christie to join a movement to legalize sports betting on a federal level when at the same time, Silver has tried to stop Christie from legalizing sports betting in NJ. For years, the National Basketball Association, along with the National Football League, Major League Baseball and National Hockey League have joined together to block any legalized sports betting legislation in the state of New Jersey. Lawsuits have been filed against lawmakers, including Christie to try and stop any advancement of sports betting legislation within the state.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, the governor has stated that the tactic is kind of crazy, and how Silver can say, ‘Join me governor, let’s have legalized sports gaming everywhere. But not in New Jersey right now.’ Christie rejected the request of Silver, stating that if he believes sports gaming is Okay, then allow sports gaming in New Jersey, allowing the state to be the model for the nation.

Currently the state of New Jersey cannot offer sports betting due to a federal judge having barred the state from introducing the option, claiming it violates current federal law.