Sponsored by:
Assemblyman RALPH R. CAPUTO
District 28 (Essex)
Assemblyman VINCENT MAZZEO
District 2 (Atlantic)
Assemblyman ERIC HOUGHTALING
District 11 (Monmouth)
Assemblywoman JOANN DOWNEY
District 11 (Monmouth)
Assemblyman RONALD S. DANCER
District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman C.A.Brown
SYNOPSIS
Expresses support for State of New Jersey in its case before U.S. Supreme Court to allow State to conduct sports wagering.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution expressing the General Assembly’s support for the State of New Jersey in its case before the United States Supreme Court to allow the State to conduct sports wagering.
Whereas, Since January 1, 1993, the federal “Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act,” 28 U.S.C.s.3701 et seq., (PASPA) has prohibited states and local governments from authorizing sports wagering; and
Whereas, Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana obtained exemptions under PASPA, and sports wagering has increased direct and indirect revenues to the states that have permitted the activity; and
Whereas, According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, about $3.9 billion was legally wagered on sports in Nevada in 2014, attracting an estimated 30 million visitors to that state each year; and
Whereas, While gamblers wager nearly $4 billion annually on sports in Nevada, gamblers wager as much as $380 billion illegally through a shadow industry of offshore online betting houses, office pools, and neighborhood bookmakers; and
Whereas, The federal sports wagering ban is not effective in curbing illegal sports wagering; and
Whereas, Implementation of sports wagering in New Jersey would allow the State and some of its local governments to generate additional tax revenue for their programs and initiatives; and
Whereas, In November 2011, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a Statewide referendum to allow wagering on sports in Atlantic City casinos and racetracks; and
Whereas, The referendum authorizing the Legislature to allow sports wagering was favored in all 21 counties and approved by nearly 64 percent of voters; and
Whereas, The State has been unable to implement the will of the voters as the federal court system has enjoined the implementation of sports wagering operations in New Jersey; and
Whereas, On June 27, 2017, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments on whether sports wagering should be legalized in New Jersey; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey would benefit significantly from the conduct of sports wagering at Atlantic City casinos because it would be subject to the casino gross revenue tax and investment alternative tax, and would enhance Atlantic City as a gaming and tourism destination; and
Whereas, The conduct of sports wagering at the State’s racetracks would provide a boost to an industry that has experienced declining attendance and reduced revenue in recent years; and
Whereas, The voters of New Jersey overwhelmingly supported legalized sports wagering, which would have a significant and positive impact on New Jersey, bring tourism and tax revenue to the State, and reinvigorate Atlantic City and the State’s horse racing industry; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House expresses its support for the State of New Jersey in its case before the United States Supreme Court to allow the State to conduct sports wagering.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the President of the United States, Attorney General of the United States, Solicitor General of the United States, and to the Governor and Attorney General of the State of New Jersey.
STATEMENT
This resolution expresses the General Assembly’s support for the State of New Jersey in its case before the United States Supreme Court to allow the State to conduct sports wagering.
In November 2011, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a Statewide referendum to allow wagering on sports. The State has been unable to implement the will of the voters as the federal court system has enjoined the implementation of sports wagering in the State. On June 27, 2017, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments on whether sports wagering should be legalized in New Jersey. This House expresses its support for the State of New Jersey in its case before the United States Supreme Court.