NJ: Legislature to take another look at legalizing sports betting

[clevfan]

Legislature to take another look at legalizing sports betting

By DEREK HARPER Statehouse Bureau
ATLANTIC CITY
Published: Thursday, January 24, 2008

TRENTON - Bookmakers are giving the New York Giants 12 points in the Feb. 3 Super Bowl. Sound good?

Trenton lawmakers are once again considering legislation that would make it legal to slap down a fiver on the New Jersey team in Atlantic City casinos. But the Super Bowl will probably have a few more Roman numerals after it before this happens, if ever.

The state Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee is scheduled to hear testimony at 1:30 p.m. today about a bill that would legalize New Jersey sports wagering. It's one of the top bills under discussion as lawmakers get down to business in their first day of committee meetings for the new legislative session.

"There's sports gambling going on right now in New Jersey," said bill sponsor and committee Chairman Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli, D-Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester. "And the state's not getting its cut."

Burzichelli said he anticipates opposition from sports leagues that fear gamblers could corrupt outcomes. But he said he does not see a downside to legalizing it and bringing it under the auspices of resort casinos.

"Our casinos have a world-class reputation for being well-run, and if this is done in the casinos this will be done in an environment that is safe and well-governed," Burzichelli said. "The question is if you choose to do this, shouldn't you do it legally instead of writing it down on a white sheet of paper and hoping it comes back?"
Sen. Jeff Van Drew D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, said he planned to sponsor the senate version of the bill in the Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation committee, chaired by Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic. He previously backed the bill when he was in the Assembly and chaired the Tourism and Gaming Committee.

Van Drew said the bill would call for a referendum on sports betting that he believes would pass. He anticipates the state would win the subsequent legal challenge.

But even with state legislative support, the New York Giants chances versus the undefeated New England Patriots may be a safer bet.

A 1993 federal law enabled sports wagering in Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon. Federal lawmakers gave New Jersey a chance to legalize sports betting, but the chance expired when state lawmakers failed to make a deadline, in part because of the opposition of then-Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley, a former New York Knick.

Current legislators have supported state sports wagering. A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, has said he favors the move, if state lawmakers are serious. And when he ran for office in 2005, Gov. Jon S. Corzine said overturning the federal ban on sports wagering was part of his plans for the resort.

"Let's go hire special counsel; let's get this done," Burzichelli said.

Other bills sponsored by local legislators up for consideration starting today include:

n A bill sponsored by Van Drew to create the Real Property Revaluation Review Commission that would look to create a fairer property reassessment process.

n A measure requiring buyers in age-restricted developments to certify that the sale will not violate federal anti-discrimination laws, sponsored by Sen. Christopher J. Connors, R-Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic.

n A bill sponsored by Assemblymen Douglas Fisher and Burzichelli, D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester, to allow law enforcement to mail or fax car accident reports when requested, and when a crash kills or incapacitates a driver, cap the amount a company storing the car can charge at $100 for the first 72 hours.

[clevfan]

Lawmakers renew bid to bring pro sports betting to Atlantic City

By TOM HESTER Jr.
The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. - With the Super Bowl looming and Atlantic City's casino revenues dropping last year for the first time since casino gambling began there in 1978, New Jersey legislators are reviving an effort to legalize betting on professional sports.

An Assembly committee is slated to consider legislation Thursday to ask voters to allow casinos to offer professional sports wagering.

Proponents of sports betting in New Jersey estimate the state might bring in up to $8 million in additional annual casino tax revenue and boost visitors to Atlantic City casinos now competing with slot parlors in neighboring states.

The measure has been approved by Assembly committees in 2004, 2005 and 2006 but never received further consideration.

But the dynamic may have changed this year, with two leading supporters of bringing pro sports gambling to Atlantic City moving from the Assembly to the Senate , Jim Whelan and Jeff Van Drew. Whelan chairs the Senate wagering committee.

Bills passed the Senate in 1992 and 1993 that would have allowed sports betting in New Jersey, but never passed the Assembly.

After that, federal law restricted legalized sports betting to Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon, though only Nevada enables betting on professional and college games.

But those who back bringing pro sports betting to Atlantic City contend the federal law can be challenged.

Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald, who sponsors the initiative, has said illegal gambling is rampant and could be controlled.

Various estimates of illegal sports gambling in the U.S. range from $80 billion to $380 billion per year.

"New Jersey must take every step to control illegal sports betting rings," said Greenwald, D-Camden. "Those efforts should include the establishment of a legal, regulated mechanism for law-abiding people to place wagers on professional sporting competitions. Atlantic City is the right atmosphere for such an enterprise, and the state of New Jersey should fully explore this option."

Still, Senate President Richard J. Codey isn't confident the state can successfully challenge the federal law.

"I think Appalachian State would have to beat the Giants before the federal government would allow us to change the law to permit sports betting in casinos," said Codey, D-Essex. "That's about where our odds stand right now."

The NFL and NBA have rallied against legalized sports betting in New Jersey. NFL attorney Jay Moyer has said legal pro sports betting in the state would "create a pervasive climate of suspicion about any controversial play in a game."

The renewed effort comes as Atlantic City's 11 casinos took in $4.9 billion last year, down from $5.2 billion in 2006, the first-ever decline in casino gambling.

The decline was blamed on slots parlors in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York, which drew customers who were once Atlantic City's exclusive domain.

[Mr Memory]

Dick Codey gets it.

Thank Bill Bradley.

[Total Square]

but the article did get some politicians names in the paper today

[howid]

if ever

yep

[stevo]

Originally Posted by Total Square

but the article did get some politicians names in the paper today

I'll take an account with you T.S. Let me know when we are ready to go.

[Total Square]

i cant imagine how packed the places would be on weekends during football if this ever happened, but its all a pipe dream

[stevo]

Originally Posted by Total Square

i cant imagine how packed the places would be on weekends during football if this ever happened, but its all a pipe dream

Dont try to make it -115 with the time excuses. I'll kick in for gas instead.

[Mr Memory]

Originally Posted by Total Square

but the article did get some politicians names in the paper today

Jersey and Delaware papers are both killing thousands of trees with this crap.

Years away, if ever . . .

[(sportman)]

Let them do it....

Only Jersey though...

[stevo]

Heyyyyyyy. Then why is he making me post up now?

[(sportman)]

Be careful

[clevfan]

Panel approves vote on sports betting at NJ casinos

by Tom Hester/The Star-Ledger
Thursday January 24, 2008, 4:48 PM

The Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee this afternoon unanimously passed legislation that would ask New Jersey voters to allow sports betting in Atlantic City casinos.

But there is no reason to hurry to the gambling mecca to place a bet on the Giants. If the proposal clears the Legislature and gains the approval of voters on the November ballot, sports betting in New Jersey would still face the opposition of the federal government, which oversees an interstate commerce law that prohibits it in the Garden State.

Proponents of the idea in the Legislature foresee a legal battle over the federal ban that could take years to settle and could up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Under the proposal, bets could be placed only on professional sports events and only in casino betting parlors. But with horse racing proponents complaining sports betting would be another blow to the financially-struggling industry, Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester), the committee chairman, and a prime sponsor, promised the possibility of allowing sports betting at The Meadowlands, Monmouth Park and Freehold Race Way would be considered as the proposal moves through the Legislature.

The proposal, A1909, could be brought up for a vote by the full Assembly as early as Feb. 7. The outlook for the sports betting proposal in the Senate, where it has died twice in the past four years, is unclear. Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) has expressed concern over what it might do financially to the racing industry. The measure has the support of the 11 casinos but is opposed by the National Football League.

Federal law permits sports betting in Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon. It is only done in Nevada, where $76 million in sports bets were placed in 2007.

[clevfan]

Lawmakers renew bid to bring pro sports betting to Atlantic City

By TOM HESTER Jr.

Associated Press Writer

5:35 PM EST, January 24, 2008

TRENTON, N.J.

New Jersey legislators on Thursday revived an effort to legalize betting on professional sports in Atlantic City casinos, rejecting claims by the National Football League that the move would risk the integrity of sports.

An Assembly committee pushed forward legislation that would ask voters to allow casinos to offer professional sports wagering.

Proponents of sports betting in New Jersey estimate the state might bring in up to $8 million annually in additional casino tax revenue and boost visitors to Atlantic City casinos now competing with slots parlors in neighboring states.

"Sports betting already exists in New Jersey, but only the criminals are enjoying the profits," said Assemblyman John Burzichelli, the committee chairman. "Legal, carefully regulated sports wagering would bolster both Atlantic City and the state. New Jersey should go all-in."

Various estimates of illegal sports gambling in the U.S. range from $80 billion to $380 billion per year.

Similar measures were approved by Assembly committees in 2004, 2005 and 2006 but never received further consideration.

But the dynamic may have changed this year, with two leading supporters moving from the Assembly to the Senate. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, who chairs the Senate wagering committee, and Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, vowed Thursday to push the law in the Senate.

But the NFL vowed to fight the proposal, which can now be considered by the full Assembly.

"It's bad policy because it turns human players into roulette chips with the sanction of the state," said NFL attorney David H. Remes.

Bills passed the Senate in 1992 and 1993 that would have allowed sports betting in New Jersey, but never passed the Assembly.

After that, federal law restricted legalized sports betting to Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon, though only Nevada enables betting on professional and college games.

Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald said the federal law can be challenged as a violation of states' rights, but Senate President Richard J. Codey isn't confident.

"I think Appalachian State would have to beat the Giants before the federal government would allow us to change the law to permit sports betting in casinos," said Codey, D-Essex. "That's about where our odds stand right now."

The renewed effort comes as Atlantic City's casinos recorded the first decline in gambling revenue since they opened in 1978. The 11 casinos took in $4.9 billion last year, down from $5.2 billion in 2006. The decline was blamed on slots parlors in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York drawing away customers.

Joseph Corbo, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said the casinos "heartily support" the legislation.

"It has been a tough year for our industry," he said. "We appreciate the fact that you're taking this effort, the heavy lift that it is, to help our industry out."

Joseph Lupo, vice president of operations for the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, predicted $800 million would be wagered on pro sports in Atlantic City each year.

He noted how the looming Super Bowl weekend is a huge event in Las Vegas, but not Atlantic City. Bettors in Nevada wagered $93.1 million on the Super Bowl last year.

"We have to become a more full destination that's going to compete," Lupo said.

But Remes warned legalized betting on pro sports could inadvertently increase illegal gambling.

"New bettors will quickly learn that the state doesn't offer odds that are as good as bookies," he said. "Or, tax-free winnings."