The administration of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Monday issued an
Attorney General’s Directive through Acting Attorney General John Hoffman
allowing sports wagering, without fear of criminal or civil liability, at New
Jersey racetracks and casinos.
“I am so pleased that Governor Chris Christie has decided to continue his
fight to support sports betting,” said Dennis Drazin, advisor to the New Jersey
Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Darby Development LLC, operators of
Monmouth Park. “Today’s decision will certainly breathe new life into New
Jersey’s gaming community and this courageous move by the Governor will surely
help stabilize our already struggling industry.”
In 2012 New Jersey passed the Sports Wagering Act, which permitted the
licensing and regulation of sports betting. The State was subsequently sued
based on a 1992 statute — the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
The U.S. District Court ruled that New Jersey could not proceed with sports
wagering and the State appealed.
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the District Court’s ruling;
however, that Court stated that there was nothing that could stop New Jersey
from removing prohibitions against sports wagering.
It is based on this ruling that Governor Christie has acted, specifically
stating in a release today that, “The Attorney General’s Statewide Directive
follows the Third Circuit’s ruling and concludes that nothing under New Jersey
law prevents casinos and racetracks from operating a sports pool effective
today.”
“It will be in the very, very near future that sports wagering will be
offered at Monmouth Park,” Drazin said. “We have always stated we would take
sports wagers as soon as possible, and thanks to the Governor, Legislature and
everyone who has worked extraordinarily hard to see sports betting in New
Jersey, that day is on the very near horizon.”
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