19 U.S states support New Jersey's Supreme Court bid to overturn restrictive federal sports betting act

The American Gaming Association, which itself is lobbying for the removal of sports betting restrictions imposed by the federal 1991 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, has revealed that 18 other US states have joined West Virginia in supporting the New Jersey Supreme Court appeal against PASPA.

New Jersey has fought its case for unhindered intra-state sports betting through a series of courts over the last few years, culminating in the SCOTUS hearing, which could have wide-ranging implications for other states in the Union if regulated and licensed sports wagering is more widely permitted..

Geoff Freeman, CEO of the American Gaming Association said in a press release Tuesday:

“Eighteen other states have joined West Virginia in filing a separate amicus brief to the US Supreme Court. This group of bipartisan states includes representation from every corner of the country, from states with and without gaming and includes signees from state AG’s offices, as well as governors’ offices.

“It also includes the president of the National Association of AGs, both co-chairs of the NAAG gaming committee, and chair of the Conference of Western Attorneys General.

“Notably, it also includes the state of Utah, a state that does not have gambling, and is encouraging the federal government to get out of the way.”