Kean Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Sports Betting

Decision Upholds N.J. Law, Paves the Way for Legalized Wagering on Sporting Events
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean applauded the United States Supreme Court for striking down a federal law that had prohibited most states, including New Jersey, from moving forward with efforts to offer legalized sports betting.

“The Supreme Court’s decision is recognition that the federal government shouldn’t be in the business of helping one state to maintain a monopoly on sports wagering,” said Kean. “Now that the federal prohibition on sports wagering has been struck down, New Jersey businesses will have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.”

New Jersey residents overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2011 to allow for the establishment of legalized sports betting in the state.

In October of 2014, the New Jersey Legislature approved and Governor Christie signed the Sports Wagering Act of 2014 to allowing wagering on certain professional, collegiate, or amateur sport contests or athletic events.

“Now that it’s clear that New Jersey’s law is legal, I fully expect sports wagering facilities to open quickly,” Kean added. “This new opportunity will give our casinos and racetracks a real boost.”