Federal Judge Blocks New Jersey Sports Gambling Law

Federal Judge Blocks New Jersey Sports Gambling Law

A federal judge has barred New Jersey from legalizing the sports gambling legislation signed by Gov. Chris Christie in 2012.

“After careful consideration, the Court has determined that Congress acted within its powers and the statute in question does not violate the United States Constitution,” U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp wrote in his ruling, according to Bloomberg.

The case is a win for several sports associations, including the NCAA, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, all of which fought to see the sports law blocked. In addition to the sports associations, the U.S. Department of Justice joined the lawsuit late in the game, and argued that the proposed New Jersey sports betting law violated the integrity of professional sports and the 1992 federal law requiring states to restrict sports betting.

However, New Jersey officials argued that the prohibition violates state sovereignty and is unconstitutional.

“We believe firmly in the principles of our position on sports betting and that the federal ban is inequitable, violates New Jersey’s rights as a state and is unconstitutional,” Michael Drewniak, Gov. Christie’s spokesperson, emailed to Bloomberg.

He also noted that the administration is “confident” that a federal court of appeals will side with New Jersey and provide a more equitable ruling.