New Jersey Criminal Lawyer: State Attorney General to Allow Legalized Sports Betting in NJ

Earlier this month the New Jersey State Attorney General issued a directive to New Jersey law enforcement to restrain from prosecuting casinos and racetracks that ran sports wagering pools. This unprecedented move by the New Jersey State Attorney General came despite a 2012 federal court ruling which put into question the validity of New Jersey state law legalizing sports betting.  According to the 2012 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals, the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) must take precedence over New Jersey’s existing Sports Wagering Act. Under PASPA, sports betting was barred in places that did not already have betting at the time PASPA was enacted in 1992.  The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the matter on further appeal.

The New Jersey Attorney General issued a formal opinion that the federal court’s decision did not void significant parts of New Jersey’s sports betting law. Under New Jersey’s Sports Wagering Act, it is legal to wager on most professional and collegiate events. Betting on in-state events involving a New Jersey based professional team or betting on any events in any location involving a New Jersey based college team is illegal.  The New Jersey Attorney General continues to argue that the PASPA does not require New Jersey to repeal its already existing law which allows the operation of sports pools by casinos and racetracks and which does not impose civil penalties on sports wagering.  Governor Christie has also filed a brief which supports New Jersey’s right to uphold its Sports Wagering Act which became law in 2012.

While supporters of legalized sports betting in New Jersey remain hopeful that the New Jersey Attorney General’s directive will be upheld, many questions remain on the future of legalized sports betting in New Jersey.   It remains unclear whether the federal government may be entitled to regulate or restrict sports betting in New Jersey.  In the meantime, casinos and racetracks will continue to be able to run sports pools without the fear of prosecution or the imposition of monetary fines.

New Jersey Criminal Lawyer Michele Finizio Handles Criminal Defense Matters Throughout South Jersey

Individuals charged with crimes in New Jersey should not attempt to represent themselves in the criminal court system.  The complexities of New Jersey state and federal criminal codes can be overwhelming. With her extensive knowledge of New Jersey criminal statutes, Michele Finizio, Esq. aggressively provides defense legal services to individuals arrested and charged with crimes in New Jersey.

The Law Offices of Michele Finizio are conveniently located in Moorestown, New Jersey, to serve accused individuals throughout Southern New Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County and Salem County. To schedule your free confidential consultation, call our New Jersey criminal & traffic court lawyers at 856-888-9059 today or submit an online inquiry form.