N.J. maneuvers again to introduce sports betting

TRENTON - The New Jersey Legislature sent Gov. Christie a bill Thursday that would repeal the state's ban on sports gambling.

Backers said the move was designed to shore up the state's legal position against professional sports leagues and the NCAA, which oppose the expansion of sports betting.

The legislative action comes a month after the Christie administration declared that sports gambling at the state's casinos and racetracks would be legal. Supporters say sports wagering would provide much-needed revenue as Atlantic City's casino market contracts.

"We are a short step away from getting this done and a lot closer to bringing sports betting to New Jersey," State Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak (D., Union), one of the bill's sponsors, said in a statement.

Casino operators have been reluctant to offer sports gambling, given the legal uncertainty.

Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2011 to allow sports gaming, and Christie approved a sports-betting measure.

The NCAA, U.S. Justice Department, and professional sports leagues sued to block it, citing the 1992 federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which confines betting on sports to Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana.

A federal judge issued an injunction, upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit last year. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court turned away an attempt by New Jersey to appeal.

The Third Circuit opinion did say there was nothing in federal law that prohibited New Jersey from repealing its own ban on sports betting. State lawmakers saw that as a potential new opening.

New Jersey's bill would only allow sports wagering at casinos and racetracks.

New Jersey has filed a motion in federal court asking District Judge Michael A. Shipp to clarify his injunction to ensure that the state's strategy complies with the Third Circuit opinion.

The bill passed the Assembly on a 73-4 vote Thursday after passing the Senate 28-1 earlier this week.