Reps. Pallone & LoBiondo: Legalized Sports Betting Would Benefit New Jersey’s Economy and Crack Down on Criminal Enterprises

Atlantic City, NJ - Today, New Jersey Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr.(06) and Frank A. LoBiondo (02) joined with representatives from Atlantic City’s casino industry and local elected officials on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in support of legalized sports betting.  The Congressmen called for action on their legislative proposals to legalize sports wagering and argued that it will improve the city’s competitiveness and benefit New Jersey’s economy.

In November 2011, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to allow sports wagering in New Jersey, but its enactment has been delayed due to a lawsuit filed against the State of New Jersey by the NCAA and four professional sports leagues in August of 2012.  New Jersey appealed its case after the district court failed to rule in its favor, and a decision is currently pending from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. 

In February 2013, LoBiondo and Pallone reintroduced two bills to allow New Jersey to legally offer sports wagering, and they have called for action to change to federal sports gaming law.

“New Jersey voted for and deserves the same opportunity for sports betting which has been allowed in other states, and I hope that the court’s upcoming decision puts an end to the delay that is robbing New Jerseyans of the opportunity to share in the profits of sports betting,” said Congressman Pallone.  “Making sports betting legal in New Jersey would not only help to stem the criminal activity associated with sports gambling, it would also pump much needed revenue into to our state by taking the gambling out of the shadows and regulating this billion dollar industry.”

"Increasing competition from neighboring states and the widespread misinformation in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy the destruction in Atlantic City has put our gaming operations at a disadvantage. Sports-betting can help give our famed resort town a hand up, providing yet another unique option for patrons in addition to the quality entertainment, dining, shopping and beaches. I'm pleased Congressman Pallone, our casinos, local elected officials and an overwhelming majority of New Jersey residents agree and hope that the federal courts act in fairness to our state," said LoBiondo.