NJ sports betting appeal fast-tracked
Oral arguments for the legalisation of sports betting could begin next month
New Jersey’s appeal against the prohibition of sports betting in the state could be heard as early as 27 May in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
The court has informed the attorneys of the professional sports leagues, backed by the Department of Justice (DoJ), and the defendant New Jersey that the hearings for their oral arguments have been “tentatively listed” on the agenda for 26 June, according to NorthJersey.com.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is challenging the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) federal law prohibiting all states from offering sports betting except Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon. The state, represented by former US solicitor general Ted Olson, filed an appeal with the Third Circuit US Court of Appeals last month after federal judge Michael Shipp granted a permanent injunction against the state.
In January, the DoJ joined the lawsuit which was filed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association along with the National Basketball Association, the Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Hockey League.
Yesterday’s filing added the appeal date “may become necessary for the panel to move this case to another day” during the week of 27 May, with the length of time for each argument to be determined by a panel at a later date.
Regulations were released last month allowing Atlantic City casinos to offer real-money fantasy sports betting, which is legal under the terms of UIGEA.