Two New Jersey Congressmen are re-introducing bills to legalize sports betting.
Legal challenges by sports leagues have blocked New Jersey from permitting sports wagering.
Congressman Frank LoBiondo says the Supreme Court will soon decide whether to consider the state’s appeal.
“So I think it’s important that the new nominee is confirmed so that if the high court decides that they will consider New Jersey’s case, that is the fastest route to us being able to get to what we want. Otherwise we’ve got to go through the legislative route.”
Legislation proposed by Congressman Frank Pallone would let New Jersey join the four states that already allow sports betting.
LoBiondo has a different measure that would give all states four years to decide whether to permit it.
“There are a few other issues going on here in Washington that are getting some attention. So we don’t expect this will be at the top of anyone’s list, but we’re prepared and we keep moving behind the scene and hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to have more emphasis on it.”
LoBiondo hopes President Trump gets involved with the issue.
“I am cautiously optimistic that the president would understand that there is illegal betting going on. It doesn’t make any sense to ignore it and pretend it’s not there. And for gaming jurisdictions that want it, this would be a good thing.”
The American Gaming Association estimates most of the nearly $5 billion wagered on the Super Bowl will be done illegally.
LoBiondo and Pallone believe it’s time for the state to legalize it so it can share in the profits.