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In early November there will be a referendum whereby New Jersey state residents will have the opportunity to vote for legalized online gambling in the state.
Atlantic City casinos are now backing the measure and they are urging voters to help pass such legislation. More specifically, the Casino Association of New Jersey, which represents the city’s 11 gambling operations, is pushing to have sports betting legalized.
“Legalized sports betting will attract more tourists to visit our city and enjoy our world-class entertainment, thriving restaurant industry, brand-name retail shopping and famous Boardwalk,” said Bob Griffin, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. “Sports betting will allow Atlantic City to better compete, grow and reinvest in the region.”
“If the referendum is passed and if the federal ban is subsequently overturned, legal sports betting would provide an economic boost for Atlantic City and the entire state of New Jersey,” said Griffin, who also serves as chief executive officer of the Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. casinos.
The major sports leagues, specifically the National Football League, are opposed to legalizing sports betting in the state, suggesting the activity would lead to cheating scandals and game fixing.
New Jersey’s proposal would allow wagering on most professional, college and amateur sports events. Betting would not be permitted on college sports events taking place in New Jersey or involving New Jersey collegiate teams.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
