Sports leagues respond in New Jersey sports appeal

The US Department of Justice and the national sports leagues opposing New Jersey’s attempt to implement sports betting in the Garden State despite the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act have submitted their response to the New Jersey appeal for a Supreme Court hearing to finalise the issue.

In their response, the organisations claim that twenty two years ago when the PASPA was introduced, New Jersey passed up the opportunity to be grandfathered in as an exception, and cannot now seek to reverse its choice.

Our readers will recall that an intrastate sports betting bill was passed by the New Jersey state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie, effectively challenging the PASPA. Before the law could be implemented the national sports leagues launched litigation blocking the law, with the US Department of Justice joining the leagues later in opposing the New Jersey initiative.

After losing two court actions and investing around $3 million in legal expenses, New Jersey has now appealed to the US Supreme Court on grounds that the PASPA is constitutionally discriminatory and prejudices states’ rights, and is currently waiting to hear whether its case will be heard (see previous reports).

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