New Jersey could launch sports betting services as early as this week despite having not been given clearance to regulate such activities, according to state lawmaker Ray Lesniak.
Attorneys representing the US state returned to court this week in the latest stage of its effort to legalise sports betting in New Jersey.
The state has been attempting to legalise sports betting activities for the past two-and-a-half years, but has so far been blocked in its efforts by the courts.
Lesniak, who has been championing the regulation of sports betting in the state, has said that even though a decision by the courts over regulation is not expected until May or June, he is confident that New Jersey has done enough to convince the courts to enable the state to allow sports betting.
“I think they’ll say New Jersey can allow sports betting but not regulate it,” Lesniak said according to the Casino.org website.
Lesniak’s comments come after New Jersey Acting Attorney General John Hoffman last year said that the state police would not arrest anyone involved in sports betting activities.
Speaking last year, Hoffman said: “No law enforcement or prosecution agency or officer shall… make an arrest, file a complaint against, or prosecute any person involved in the operation of a sports pool by a casino or racetrack to the extent that such activity takes place consistent with this Law Enforcement Directive.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
