newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th.) is preparing to introduce legislation in Congress that would lift the federal ban on sports betting on professional and amateur sports in New Jersey.

In November, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure amending the state constitution to authorize the Legislature to enact a law allowing sports wagering in the state. On Wednesday, Gov. Chris Christie signed the measure allowing people over the age of 21 to place a bet on a sporting event at Atlantic City casinos or at New Jersey race tracks.

"The existing federal law is unconstitutional and arbitrary, giving four states access to this billion-dollar industry, while shutting out the rest," Pallone said Friday. "The citizens of New Jersey have made it clear they want the opportunity to share in the profits from professional sports betting. This legislation will help even the playing field and uphold our state's wishes on what is clearly a state issue."

Pallone plans to hold a news conference with four state legislators Monday at the Statehouse to discuss his bill. Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), a strong proponent of sports betting as a way to raise state revenue, will be there.

"We appreciate Congressman Pallone's effort to get Congress to give New Jersey what our residents overwhelmingly want, the same ability to place bets on sporting events that it has given to the residents of Nevada and to boost revenues and jobs at our casinos and racetracks," Lesniak said.

A 1992 federal law prohibits all states from allowing sports betting except Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana.