Supreme Court to hear New Jersey sports betting case

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear New Jersey’s case for legalized sports betting in the state.

The case pits the state against the professional sports leagues who claim New Jersey’s attempts to legalizing betting violate the federal law PASPA.

Should New Jersey win the case it would be allowed to offer legal sports betting at its casinos and racetracks, and potentially encourage otger states t pass similar legislation

The parties involved in the case will now submit a new set of briefs with an oral argument before the nine justices later this year.

New Jersey lawyer Christopher Soriano said he expected the oral arguments to be held around December with decision no later than June 2018.

“PASPA has failed to protect sports and fans,” said AGA president Geoff Freeman in a statement.

“We are pleased the Supreme Court appears to have responded favorably to our arguments as to why they should hear this important case. And we are hopeful their engagement will provide further encouragement for Congress to take the steps necessary to create a regulated sports betting marketplace in the United States.
“The gaming industry, and the American Sports Betting Coalition, is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to build a system that protects states’ rights, fans and the integrity of sports.”

William Hill CEO Joe Asher said it was the right time for all parties, including the sports leagues to come together and create a regulated framework for sports betting.

Congressman Frank Pallone, who has introduced federal sports betting legislation, said the court should respect the autonomy of New Jersey citizens who have voted to legalize sports betting.

“Rather than continuing to allow criminal and offshore entities to reap the benefit of illegal gaming there is now an opportunity for the Supreme Court to allow the democratic process in New Jersey to appropriately regulate sports gaming,” Pallone added.