by David Purdum, ESPN
The NCAA and professional sports leagues have battled New Jersey’s efforts to legalize sports betting for more than two years. They have only two weeks to respond to the state’s latest challenge.
Whether the leagues will continue to fight is up for debate.
On Monday, New Jersey Attorney General John Hoffman issued a directive that instructed law enforcement to refrain from prosecuting sports betting operations at racetracks and casinos. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also filed a request for clarification from a district court judge. Christie is looking for approval from the court that the state is not violating federal law by decriminalizing sports betting and allowing private entities to regulate and operate sportsbooks.
The leagues have two weeks to respond. U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp has set a hearing for Oct. 6. For now, operating a sportsbook at racetracks or casinos essentially does not violate New Jersey state law.
New Jersey State Sen. Raymond Lesniak believes the leagues will not challenge the state’s latest effort and, instead, will attempt to make a deal for a share of the profits from legalized sports betting.
Other state officials, however, disagree with Lesniak and expect the sports leagues to continue to fight.
The NFL, NBA and NHL declined to comment when reached by ESPN. The NCAA and MLB said earlier in the week that they were working on responses.
“They’re staring defeat in the face,” Lesniak told ESPN. “There is no way they’re going to win in court. I expect that they are going to recognize that and offer a deal. And we’re OK with that. Ultimately, before the judge rules, I expect we will have a settlement in hand.”
It would be a landmark settlement that would open doors for widespread legalization of sports betting in the U.S. Other states already have contacted New Jersey regarding sports betting, Lesniak said. Currently, only Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon are allowed to offer forms of state-sponsored sports betting. But not everyone believes the legal battle is finished.
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