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Pallone and LoBiondo Statement on Federal Appeals Court Ruling on Sports Betting in New Jersey

August 25, 2015

LONG BRANCH, NJ– Today, Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (D NJ-06) and Frank LoBiondo (R NJ-02) made the following statement on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia decision to deny New Jersey from implementing its sports betting law.

“We are very disappointed with today’s ruling, which robs New Jersey of the opportunity to benefit from the billion-dollar sports betting industry. Several states can already operate sports betting, but New Jersey has been shut out despite the will of our citizens. The fact is, the citizens of New Jersey passed a constitutional amendment by referendum and the state legislature acted to give it effect. The federal government should not stand in the way.

“Legal sports betting will have a significant and positive impact on New Jersey, bringing tourism and tax revenue to the state and reinvigorating Atlantic City and our racetracks, including Monmouth Park.

“The citizens of New Jersey have spoken loud and clear – they want the opportunity to share in the profits from professional sports betting. Furthermore, the existing federal law is unconstitutional and arbitrary, giving four states the opportunity to access the sports-betting industry, while shutting out the rest. We remain committed to seeing sports betting become legal in New Jersey, and today’s ruling strengthens our commitment to continuing our work to see this change occur.”