New Jersey to begin issuing gambling licenses for sports betting in 2013

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- New Jersey is doubling down on sports betting, starting in 2013, despite healthy opposition. The state will begin issuing licenses for betting on sports beginning on January 9 of next year, as long as the lawsuit filed by the NCAA and several major sports leagues is dismissed or finds in their favor.

The lawsuit, filed by the NCAA, Major League Baseball Association, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League, are collectively suing the state of New Jersey to block the new law from coming into effect.

The NCAA is pulling five championship games scheduled to be held in New Jersey next year, relocating the events to different states. Mark Lewis, NCAA executive vice president of championships and alliance said in a news release that, “maintaining the integrity of sports and protecting student-athlete well-being are at the bedrock of the NCAA’s mission, and are reflected in our policies prohibiting the hosting of our championships in states that provide for single game sports wagering. Consistent with our policies and beliefs, the law in New Jersey requires that we no longer host championships in the state.”

Regulations for sports betting were published in the New Jersey Register by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement. Division director David Rebuck confirmed that publishing these regulations will give the green-light to make preparations for casinos and horse-racing tracks to be licensed and ready to open their doors next year.

“With the publication of these regulations, New Jersey ensures effective regulation and oversight of sports wagering, consistent with its longstanding nationwide reputation for maintaining integrity and instilling public confidence in gaming operations”, Rebuck said.

When asked about the lawsuit from major sports leagues by a report from the Associated Press, Rebuck responded: “The Division of Gaming Enforcement will begin processing applications submitted by any interested party seeking licensure. We are confident that there will be no legal impediments; if the court finds differently, we will consider all of the options before us.”