Sports Betting Bill Passed in New Jersey
Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill recently which legalizes sports betting within New Jersey. The bill was approved after the federal ban on sports betting activities was overturned. The bill, which Christie signed, was passed by an overwhelming majority in both state houses. Placing bets on collegiate and professional sporting games is legal and so is wagering at casinos operating in the Atlantic City.
The next step which the Congress will take is overturning a federal bill which makes sports betting illegal in majority of US states. In case the Congress overturns the bill, sports betting activities will be legalized in 50 states in the US.
Sen. Raymond Lesniak – This is the End of the Unfair Ban on Sports Betting
An Elizabeth Democrat, Sen. Raymond Lesniak stated that this is the end of the discriminatory and unfair ban on sports betting in the US. Lesniak is a strong proponent of online gambling real money legalization. According to him, the ban on placing wagers on internet gambling services has been in place for quite a few years. Yet, it has not been successful in curbing the interest of US customers on various forms of gambling. Sports betting activities have increased since the time the ban was passed by the Congress.
New Jersey Voters want Sports Betting to be Legalized
Voters indicated by a wide margin – 2 to 1 majority – that they want wagering on sports to be made legal. It is a clear indication of how much US customers want this form of gambling to be legalized. An Essex County Democrat, Ralph Caputo stated that New Jersey voters have made it clear that they want to wager on sports betting. The law, which has been passed, will handle the gambling activities in a responsible manner. It will ensure that casinos and racetracks operate in a competitive environment.
Bill has been Designed to Reclaim Money that Flows to Illegal Bookies
John Burzichelli, Deputy Assembly Speaker stated that that the bill has been designed to reclaim funds that flow to illegal bookies. At present, a large amount of cash is spent by US online gamblers on illegally operated sites. Burzichelli added that betting on sports is taking place in the US irrespective of whether the federal law approves of it. However, criminal enterprises and illegal bookies are taking advantage of the situation. With Christie signing the bill,New Jersey will be able to regulate sports betting and increase its revenue.
