Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

New Jersey Sports Wagering Legalization Battle Costly

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: May 12, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

Wagering on sports is a popular activity, but it is only legal in a few states.

Nevada is the biggest sports-betting state, as it is home to the casino capital of the world in Las Vegas.

However, New Jersey has been attempting to legalize wagering in the past year to no avail, which has cost the Garden State a significant amount of money. According to The Associated Press, the state has incurred legal fees of $2.8 million, which could signal the beginning of the end of legalized sports betting in New Jersey.

“We have an $800 million budget deficit,” said state Sen. Shirley Turner. “We don’t have the money to spend on something in which the odds were long.”

Obstacles

The biggest legal hurdle is the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which bans betting in every state except for Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana. These four states qualify for an exemption, as sports betting was legal at the time the law was adopted.

There is legislation being introduced to help New Jersey bypass PASPA. The Sports Gaming Opportunity Act of 2012 would re-open the window for states to approve and establish sports betting within its borders. If approved, this window would be open until January 1, 2016, which would give New Jersey plenty of time, as it has already enacted a sports betting law of its own. New Jersey’s current law allows betting at Atlantic City casinos and the state’s four horse-racing tracks. However, it can’t be legalized until the state finds a way to get beyond PASPA.

Legalized sports betting could be good for New Jersey, as taxes collected can help cut into the $800 million budget deficit.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage? post image

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?

Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?"
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer post image

Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer

Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer"
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC post image

Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC

Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Link to post with title - "Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC"
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses post image

Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses"
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained post image

What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained

What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]

Author: Ronald S. Bienstock

Link to post with title - "What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained"
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects post image

What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects

If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]

Author: Patrick T. Conlon

Link to post with title - "What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

New Jersey Sports Wagering Legalization Battle Costly

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Wagering on sports is a popular activity, but it is only legal in a few states.

Nevada is the biggest sports-betting state, as it is home to the casino capital of the world in Las Vegas.

However, New Jersey has been attempting to legalize wagering in the past year to no avail, which has cost the Garden State a significant amount of money. According to The Associated Press, the state has incurred legal fees of $2.8 million, which could signal the beginning of the end of legalized sports betting in New Jersey.

“We have an $800 million budget deficit,” said state Sen. Shirley Turner. “We don’t have the money to spend on something in which the odds were long.”

Obstacles

The biggest legal hurdle is the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which bans betting in every state except for Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana. These four states qualify for an exemption, as sports betting was legal at the time the law was adopted.

There is legislation being introduced to help New Jersey bypass PASPA. The Sports Gaming Opportunity Act of 2012 would re-open the window for states to approve and establish sports betting within its borders. If approved, this window would be open until January 1, 2016, which would give New Jersey plenty of time, as it has already enacted a sports betting law of its own. New Jersey’s current law allows betting at Atlantic City casinos and the state’s four horse-racing tracks. However, it can’t be legalized until the state finds a way to get beyond PASPA.

Legalized sports betting could be good for New Jersey, as taxes collected can help cut into the $800 million budget deficit.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!

Please select a category(s) below: