Supreme Court Shocker: Court to Hear New Jersey Case

The state of New Jersey pulled off another upset Tuesday. The Supreme Court agreed to hear their case after the Solicitor General said they didn’t have one. The Court was thought to rule on the matter on Monday. But when they didn’t the hopes of sports betting proponents climbed a little bit. And for good reason it turns out.

Those in favor of giving states the right to legalize sports betting were certainly pleased with the Court’s announcement.

“The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 has failed to protect sports and fans,” the American Gaming Association said in a release. “PASPA, which is approaching its 25th anniversary, is fueling an unregulated $150 billion illegal gambling market that continues to deprive states of vital public funding.”

“The citizens of New Jersey overwhelmingly support legalized sports betting and acted in a referendum to show that support,” Rep. Frank Pallone said in a statement. “Both Congress and the Supreme Court should respect these actions. Rather than continuing to allow criminal and offshore entities to reap the benefits of illegal gaming, there is now an opportunity for the Supreme Court to allow the democratic process in New Jersey to regulate sports gaming.”

Raymond Lesniak, the main supporter of legalized sports betting in New Jersey, was thrilled.

“I’ve been knocked down five or six times,” he said. “You get a little groggy. But I never give up. And I expect to win.”

State Sen. Joseph Kyrillos said the states should have the right to dictate what they so

“These decisions should be made at the state level,” he said. “That’s why this is an important case not only for New Jersey, but for every state in the nation.”

The sports leagues were silent on the matter as of Tuesday morning. But you can be sure they won’t be silent too long.