Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
Saying the 20-year federal ban on sports betting is unconstitutional, New Jersey is challenging the law in hopes of legalizing sports betting at casinos and racing tracks, NJ.com reports.
But the U.S. Department of Justice struck down the argument Friday, saying New Jersey can’t challenge the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, NJ.com reported.
The DOJ intervened on behalf of a lawsuit filed by the National Collegiate Athletics Association and professional leagues – the NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL.
“(The federal law) is a constitutional exercise of congressional authority,” the lawsuit reads, “and it should be upheld.”
New Jersey officials claim the law is unconstitutional because, for one, four states are allowed to bet on sports but the others, including New Jersey, are not.
