More New Jersey pressure on PASPA

Two more New Jersey politicians have launched bi-partisan legislative attacks that could eventually see the restrictive federal Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act overturned in the state, where a strong drive for a more liberalised sports betting environment has been building for some time .

Republican Rep. Frank LoBiondo and Democrat Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. came out in support of bills HR 3809 New Jersey Betting and Equal Treatment Act of 2012 and HR 3797, Sports Gaming Opportunity Act of 2012 this week, pushing for New Jersey to be allowed to run its own regulated sports betting.

If approved, the bills will place yet more pressure on PASPA, a law that is becoming increasingly unpopular among states who do not believe that sports betting should be confined to just three favoured states.

Both politicians have also explained the financial benefits that could accrue to New Jersey if the sportsbetting restrictions were lifted.

In November 2011 residents of New Jersey approved regulated and licensed sports betting in the state by a 2 to 1 margin when the subject was placed on the ballot following legislative attempts to overthrow PASPA spearheaded by Sen. Ray Lesniak .

Earlier this week news out of California indicated that veteran state Sen. Roderick Wright was pushing bill SB1390 through a preliminary senate committee, also with a view to overturning PASPA.

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