Lesniak: Sportsbetting Coming to New Jersey Next Year

New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak is inviting sports betting fans to book their rooms at hotels ahead of next year’s Super Bowl – so positive is he that the Garden State will soon be able to offer this type of wagering to its residents and visitors.

The Supreme Court will be announcing any day now whether or not it will take up New Jersey’s case, where the state is appealing a ruling that it is not allowed to offer sports betting within its borders.  Lesniak believes that if the high court picks up the case, this is a sign of sure victory for New Jersey.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wants to see the Supreme Court overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, a federal law that bans sports betting in all states, except four (Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon).  Christie’s efforts have been unsuccessful so far, with two lower courts ruling against him.

But Lesniak is also realistic and knows that the Supreme Court may turn down the case.  If so, the state senator has already started drafting a law, allowing New Jersey casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting on their properties.

“Right now, book your hotel room for the Super Bowl next year and the NCAA Final Four, because you won’t be able to get one,” Lesniak said.

“We’re going to have sports betting in New Jersey next year. Go to the bank on it.”

An optimistic Lesniak added: “We pushed the envelope with internet gaming and we will push the envelope on sports betting. We are not going to be deterred.”