New Jersey to appeal sports betting ruling

Thursday’s decision by federal Judge Michael Shipp to issue a permanent injunction against the implementation of New Jersey’s new sports betting law will be taken on appeal, Governor Chris Christie and state lawmakers told the Reuters news agency Friday.

New Jersey’s challenge to the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which restricts sports betting to just four US states, was the subject of litigation by the national sports leagues and the US Department of Justice….and New Jersey lost the first round.

New Jersey’s challenge to PASPA came in the form of a law which authorised sports betting at the state’s racetracks and at Atlantic City casinos, enjoyed support from both state residents and the Legislature, and which Christie signed into state law last year.

Judge Shipp’s decision and the court injunction effectively prevent the implementation of the law until the legal issues can be resolved.

“We are confident that the federal court of appeals will conclude that New Jersey should be treated equally with other states,” Christie said in a statement on Friday.

“Sports gambling can provide hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue to the state, creating jobs and economic growth,” Senate President Steve Sweeney said in a supporting statement.

Related and similar