New Jersey Assemblyman Touts Sports Betting

TRENTON, New Jersey -- As reported by the Press of Altantic City: "Professional sports betting in Atlantic City could keep the resort and the state from losing money when gaming halls open in Pennsylvania and New York.

"Although the odds are slim that New Jersey could overcome a federal law prohibiting such wagering, the bill's sponsor, Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic, says it would be shameful not to try.

"Amid strong opposition, the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee passed a bill Thursday that would allow New Jersey voters to decide whether professional sports betting should be allowed at Atlantic City casinos. The measure now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

"Detractors testified before the committee that state-sponsored sports betting would undermine professional sports, convert the casual fan into a gambling cynic and foster the potentially addictive habit among adolescents.

"…Federal law limits sports betting to four states: Oregon, Nevada, Montana and Delaware. Only Oregon and Nevada actually offer the activity…"