N.J. rep. will push to lift ban on sports betting

A South Jersey congressman is pushing for sports betting to become legal in the Garden State. U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R., N.J.) announced Wednesday that he has prepared federal legislation in expectation that the New Jersey legislature will pass a bill to allow sports-betting and that Gov. Christie will sign it into law.

"Legalizing sports-betting would allow Atlantic City to further compete against out-of-state gaming operations, giving it an additional edge to attract visitors and critical tourism dollars," said LoBiondo, co-chair of the Congressional Gaming Caucus.

A 1992 federal law prohibits sports betting in all but four states - Nevada, Oregon, Montana and Delaware. LoBiondo's legislation would lift the ban on other states.

Garden State residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of a nonbinding referendum to allow sports betting on Nov. 8. The state Senate passed a bill last week by a 33-2 vote, to legalize the activity at New Jersey casinos and horse tracks after a provision that would have allowed online wagers was removed. The Assembly will likely vote on the revised legislation next month. - Suzette Parmley