The Third Circuit appeals court in Philadelphia rejected New Jersey’s recent attempt to legalize sports betting by denying their appeal of a lower ruling, finding a violation of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992.
Last October, New Jersey repealed the prohibition on sports betting activity only in racetrack’s and casinos. A district court, however, granted the NFL and NCAA an injunction to stop any attempt at betting while the case was pending. The court then found repealing the prohibition violates the PASPA. New Jersey appealed to the Third Circuit and has once again lost by a 2-1 majority. But New Jersey isn’t finished. NJ Sen. Lesniak intends to appeal again and ask the entire Third Circuit to hear the case.
The NFL and NCAA have been the two sports leagues most vehement in opposing the legalization of sports betting. The NCAA fights this battle to maintain the integrity of their sporting competitions and the well-being of the student-athlete. These competitors, who are not compensated, are most vulnerable to taking bribes and fixing competition. The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver, however have taken a much different stance. Though supporting the Third Circuit’s decision, Silver believes sports betting should be legalized, but believes it is best handled by Congress and a federal framework that will allow states to legalize betting themselves. Indiana, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, and Texas have all introduced legislation to legalize sports betting this past year.