New Jersey Governor Pushes Sportsbetting Appeal To Supreme Court

This story was published more than 10 years ago.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is making good on his vow to push his attempt to get legalized sportsbetting in his home state all the way to the US Supreme Court by asking the country's high court to take on the case.

Christie has been trying to fight the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, claiming that the law is unconstitutional and that legal sportsbetting should be offered in New Jersey and other states that approve of the act. Currently sportsbetting is only allowed in four states, and Christie argues that the law is unconstitutional as it does not allow for equal rights among all states.

Christie has lost out on his first two attempts to fight the law, first losing in US District court and then the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. After losing the second attempt, the court refused to re-hear the case, prompting Christie to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Governor Christie's Spokesman Colin Reed said, “Gov. Christie has said all along this issue should be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, and that’s what he hopes will happen next,” Colin Reed, a Christie spokesman. He has asked the attorneys representing the state to file the necessary paperwork. The people of New Jersey voted overwhelmingly to bring sports betting to New Jersey, and the Governor agrees with his constituents and will not give up this fight.”

About the author

Dustin Jermalowicz // News Editor
Dustin Jermalowicz
Dustin has a long-standing passion for gambling. He has been writing professionally on the subject and breaking industry news for Casino Listings since 2011. His favorite casino games include Blackjack, Poker, and Hi/Lo. A proud native of Detroit, Dustin currently lives in Michigan.