Pallone Statement on SCOTUS Repeal of PAPSA and Sports Betting in New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2018


Washington, DC- Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s repeal of The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, which will allow New Jersey to legalize sports betting.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling is a win for New Jersey and the rest of the country. PASPA was clearly unconstitutional, and the ban on sports betting has now rightfully been rejected by the Court. I have long believed that New Jersey should have the opportunity to proceed with sports betting. Now that the Supreme Court has struck down this unlawful and confusing law, it is time for Congress to move the GAME Act forward to ensure that consumer protections are in place in any state that decides to implement sports betting.”

Last year Congressman Pallone introduced the GAME Act, which allows states to legalize sports betting and online gambling if appropriate consumer protections are also in place. The GAME Act would provide states with the legal framework to adopt sports betting at their discretion.

Congressman Pallone has long advocated for the repeal of PAPSA and giving states the opportunity to legalize sports betting. In September 2017 he filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Petitioners in the case – the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc. In that brief Pallone stated, “By ordering New Jersey to maintain prohibitions on sports gambling that its State legislature has considered and repealed before, Congress is coercing the State of New Jersey to govern according to Congress’s instructions. As this form of coercion is unconstitutional pursuant to the guarantees to the States in the form of the Tenth Amendment, this court should hold that PASPA is unconstitutional.”

Congressman Pallone has also been an advocate for Monmouth Park to have the opportunity to offer sports betting.

Letter: What It Will Take "To Get My Vote"

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog :


The races for State offices this year are going to be exciting and I can’t wait for the truths, half-truths, or no truths be told. Who knows how one will vote this year. The water is very rough. One side remains angry. The other side who hung too close to Christie’s coat tail is very vulnerable.

To get my vote:

Reform Property Tax: Remove school tax from property tax. Flawed formula to think, as one ages, one’s income will keep pace as property tax increases. Make the tax responsibility shared among all residents, not just the property owner. Base school tax on earned income to increase the pool by adding those that earn income but do not own property. Dedicate a sales tax to catch income that is not documented or reported and only is exposed when goods/services are bought. Then, level the playing field. Eliminate Abbott Districts. Make all Districts compete for funding based on need. Hold Districts accountable for how effectively the funds are used before evaluating the needs for the upcoming year.

Address Illegal immigration: Must establish path to citizenship for those like Carlos Larios. BUT, on the flipside, must change the law where a baby born in the US must have at least one US citizen parent to become an immediate US citizen. With this leverage removed and the line drawn, illegal immigration must be enforced. Sanctuary cities must obey the established law and Businesses that employ illegal immigrants, after the line is drawn, should be heavily fined; perhaps certification not renewed.

Support Monmouth Park Sports Betting: Fools and more fools to think one will travel only to two places that happen to be at the opposite ends of the State to place a bet when one easily crosses to PA and NY race tracks to make a bet. The risk of economic impact, and loss of jobs and tax revenue is too great. Don’t let Monmouth Park be another Ft Monmouth.

Repatriate foreign profit tied to US investment and job creation: American companies have more than a trillion dollars in profits made overseas after foreign taxes have been paid but won’t bring the profit back to the US because the 35% US tax would apply. Why build a facility in the U.S. when it can be built in Ireland at 17% tax rate. We must bring these businesses back to the U.S. and change the tax rate to a flat rate or a sliding scale based on the amount invested and the total number of jobs created. Companies are spending profit but not in the U.S or NJ. Advocate for change and then promote “Why not NJ” to capture the business.

My vote will only be gained by solutions not flowery talk.

Patrick Short
(Former - Middletown Township Committeeman)

Pallone Applauds Supreme Court Review of NJ Sports Betting Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2017



Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to review New Jersey's bid to allow sports betting at its casinos and racetracks.

“I applaud the Supreme Court for taking on this case and potentially resolving a long history of hypocrisy and unfairness in federal law. The citizens of New Jersey overwhelmingly support legalized sports betting and acted in a referendum to show that support. 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 appropriately regulate sports gaming.”

Congressman Pallone has long been a supporter of allowing sports gaming in New Jersey. Along with Congressman Frank LoBiondo, he introduced two bills that would provide for changes in the law that would allow sports gaming in New Jersey.

In May, Congressman Pallone sent a letter to Acting Solicitor General of the U.S. Jeff Wall strongly recommending that he endorse the review by the U.S. Supreme Court of the New Jersey sports betting case. He also released a discussion draft of a comprehensive gaming bill, the Gaming Accountability and Modernization Enhancement Act, or GAME Act, which allows states to legalize sports betting and online gambling if appropriate consumer protections are also in place .

Pallone Statement on Nevada Decision to Treat Daily Fantasy Sports as Gambling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) made the following statement on the Nevada Gaming Commission’s decision that daily fantasy sports is gambling and that its websites must stop operating in the state until companies and their employees acquire state gambling licenses. Pallone is the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over professional sports and gambling.

“Nevada’s move to require daily fantasy sports operators to acquire gaming licenses is the right one, because just like sports betting at casinos and tracks, daily fantasy sports is gambling. Both forms of gaming should be legal and regulated. However, as they stand now – with illegal sports betting forced into the multi-billion dollar black market and with a totally unregulated daily fantasy sports industry – both are operating in the shadows. The decision by Nevada increases the momentum for the Congressional hearing we need to review the legal status of fantasy sports and sports betting.”

Pallone, Menendez Call for Fairness in Daily Fantasy Sports, outside MetLife Stadium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2015


EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Today, at a press conference outside MetLife Stadium, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) discussed Congressional efforts to ensure fairness and a level playing field for fantasy sports enthusiasts participating in online daily games, and called attention to the hypocrisy of professional sports leagues in opposing sports betting while supporting daily fantasy sports. The lawmakers were joined by East Rutherford Mayor James Cassella.

“Daily fantasy sports is an industry crying for consumer protection,” said Congressman Pallone. “Despite its explosion in popularity and the allegation of ‘insider trading’ by employees of daily fantasy sports operators, the industry is operating in a void within the legal structure – without any regulation or the necessary transparency. The backdrop of MetLife Stadium calls attention to the fact that the same professional sports leagues and teams that support and invest in fantasy sports betting, are opposed to and serve as a barrier to professional sports wagering. The illegality of sports betting has forced it to function almost exclusively through organized crime, and the lack of regulation of daily fantasy sports has left the industry open to unfair practices and consumer vulnerabilities. Both need to be taken out of the shadows and should be legal and regulated.”

“I have serious concerns about whether these online fantasy sports leagues can police themselves,” said Senator Menendez. “This is about fairness and ensuring a level playing field for fantasy sports fans. There’s a lot of money at stake, and these sites are drawing in tons of players. These players should know they aren’t being duped. I think Congress needs to look into this and see whether by exempting fantasy sports from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, we’ve created a regulatory vacuum that leaves consumers out in the cold.”

Pallone is the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over professional sports and gambling. Last month, he requested a Committee hearing to review the legal status of daily fantasy sports.

Pallone and Menendez sent a joint-letter last week to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging it to explore and implement necessary safeguards after it was revealed that employees of these fantasy gaming sites with access to inside information were playing on rival sites and pocketing big winnings.

Pallone Statement on Daily Fantasy Sports ‘Insider Trading’ Allegations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2015




WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, made the following statement in response to allegations of ‘insider trading’ within daily fantasy sports. Last month, Pallone requested a Committee hearing to review the legal status of daily fantasy sports, given the Committee’s jurisdiction over professional sports and gambling and the overwhelming popularity of fantasy sports websites.

“The allegation of ‘insider trading’ by employees of daily fantasy sports operators is a prime example of why we need a Congressional hearing to review the legal status of fantasy sports and sports betting. Daily fantasy sports is functioning in a Wild West void within the legal structure. Like professional sports betting, fantasy sports should be legal, but both are currently operating in the shadows. With little legal oversight and deep investments into these sites by the same professional sports leagues that oppose traditional sports wagering, these issues are ripe for Congressional review.”

Pallone: “How do fantasy sports differ from gambling?”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2015


Ranking Member Requests Hearing to Examine Relationship of Fantasy Sports to Gambling and Professional Leagues

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the
House Energy and Commerce Committee, requested that the Committee hold a hearing to review the legal status of fantasy sports, given the Committee’s jurisdiction over professional sports and gambling and the overwhelming popularity of fantasy sports websites. In fact, just this year, an estimated 57 million people in the United States and Canada will participate in fantasy sports.

Pallone, a strong advocate for legalized and regulated professional sports betting and the billions in profits it would bring to New Jersey, highlighted the legality of fantasy sports and the need to examine how participation in fantasy sports differs from gambling, as well as the relationship between professional leagues, teams, and players and the fantasy leagues. The official request was sent to full Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess (R-TX).

“Anyone who watched a game this weekend was inundated by commercials for fantasy sports websites, and it’s only the first week of the NFL season,” said Congressman Pallone. “These sites are enormously popular, arguably central to the fans’ experience, and professional leagues are seeing the enormous profits as a result. Despite how mainstream these sites have become, the legal landscape governing these activities remains murky and should be reviewed.”

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) prohibits sports betting nationally, except in states in states that legalized sports betting prior to passage of PASPA. Online sports betting and online gambling are also prohibited under Federal law. However, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) specifically exempts fantasy sports games that meet certain criteria thanks to a loophole that has become known as the fantasy sports “carve out.” This loophole has blurred the lines between betting conducted through fantasy sports sites and online gambling.

“Fans are currently allowed to risk money on the performance of an individual player. How is that different than wagering money on the outcome of a game?” noted Pallone.

Involvement of players or league personnel who may be able to affect the outcome of a game also raises additional questions about the relationship between the entities, especially when professional leagues often actively promote fantasy sports sites, like Draft Kings or FanDuel.

Pallone has long-advocated for the legalization and regulation of sports betting, which would have a significant and positive impact on New Jersey. Most recently, he issued a statement explaining his disappointment with a court decision to deny New Jersey from implementing its sports betting law, and reiterating his commitment to continuing to work on the issue.

The full text of the letter requesting the hearing can be found here.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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 arbitrarily 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.”

Letter: Medical Marijuana & Sports Betting "Schemes" Reek Of Corruption

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

New Jersey is falling behind the times with unjust and antiquated marijuana laws, that criminalize both medical and adult personal consumers over a plant.

The people of our state support marijuana legalization, but we seem to have a Dictator, not a Governor, who is opposed to it and has blocked it's effective implementation.

Yet Governor Christie has made sure all the dispensary licensees are politically connected rich people. At the same time, Governor Christie has led efforts to setup a scheme for federally illegal sports betting at Monmouth Park.

Both of these schemes reek of corruption and the U.S. Attorney's Office should criminally investigate both.

Eric Hafner
Toms River, New Jersey

Reps. Pallone & LoBiondo: Bring Sports Wagering Out of Shadows for Future Super Bowls

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the nation gears up for Super Bowl XLIX next weekend, New Jersey Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-06) and Frank A. LoBiondo (R-02) have again introduced their bills to legalize sports-betting. The Congressmen called for action on their legislative proposals, arguing that legalized sports-betting will benefit New Jersey’s economy and crack down on criminal enterprises which operate off-the-book betting in the shadows.

"Increasing competition from neighboring states and the proliferation of off-the-books betting has left Atlantic City’s gaming operations at a disadvantage. Sports-betting can help give our famed resort town a hand up, providing yet another unique option for patrons in addition to the quality entertainment, dining, shopping and beaches. I'm pleased Congressman Pallone, our casinos, local elected officials and an overwhelming majority of New Jersey residents agree and hope that a bipartisan coalition in Congress can come together in support of legalizing and regulating sports-betting," said Congressman LoBiondo.

“New Jersey voters have spoken loud and clear: they want to be able to place wagers on sporting events legally,” said Congressman Pallone. “We know that sports- betting is occurring without regulation and that the revenues from it are going to illegal enterprises rather than businesses in New Jersey, like our casinos and racetracks. It is time to bring this activity out of the shadows and allow states to regulate it. I am pleased to join Congressman LoBiondo in supporting this bipartisan legislation that will help level the playing field and give New Jersey’s citizens the opportunity to share in the profits from sports betting.”

The federal ban on professional and amateur sports betting enacted in 1992 currently prohibits states from implementing any new form of sports wagering. The Congressmen introduced two bills that would provide for changes in the law that would allow sports-betting in New Jersey. H.R. 457 (Pallone) would exempt New Jersey from current federal law and H.R. 416 (LoBiondo) opens a window in which all states can enact a law providing for sports-betting in their state for four years upon being signed by the President. Both lawmakers are again cosponsoring the other’s legislation. The Congressmen have previously joined Atlantic City casino executives and advocates for legalized sports betting on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

In 2011, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to allow sports wagering in New Jersey, but its enactment has been delayed by lawsuits filed against the State of New Jersey by the NCAA and four professional sports leagues. New Jersey appealed its case in the courts, with the Third Circuit ruling against New Jersey and the Supreme Court denying to hear the state’s appeal. However, in November 2014, National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver announced his support for legalized sports wagering in an op-ed for The New York Times entitled “Legalize and Regulate Sports Betting”.

Letter: Sports Betting Decriminalization Unequal

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

New Jersey has made a critical error in its recent quest to circumvent federal law and legalize sports betting in the state.

New Jersey has sought to sidestep a federal court decision prohibiting the state from moving forward with the legalization of sports betting, which is illegal in the entire U.S., aside from Delaware, Oregon, Montana and Nevada, states that had already had laws allowing for the practice grandfathered when the federal ban, The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, came into effect in 1993.

New Jersey has now decriminalized sports betting at the state level for casinos and racetracks, but anyone else engaged in the practice still faces state-level criminal penalties.

Either the state is using other gaming licenses as de facto sports betting licenses which is illegal under federal law or New Jersey is violating the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution by allowing some to engage in sports betting while criminalizing others.

If it is legal under state law for a New Jersey racetrack or casino to engage in sports betting operations, then it is unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the U.S Constitution for the state to continue criminalizing regular citizens doing the same thing, barring a change in federal law.
Someone facing sports betting charges in New Jersey should make a motion to dismiss their charges based on this constitutional violation and set a precedent.

Eric Hafner
Toms River,

Pallone Statement on NBA Commissioner’s Call to Legalize and Regulate Sports Betting

Washington, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today in response to a New York Times op-ed written by Adam Silver, Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, in which he calls for a federal solution to allow states to authorize betting on professional sports:

“I agree with Commissioner Silver that it is time to bring sports wagering out of the shadows and under controlled regulation. The citizens of New Jersey have spoken loud and clear—they want the opportunity to share in the profits of professional sports betting. And this should be done in a legal way that’s regulated by the government, rather than the status quo which allows it to be run by criminal enterprises. Legalized sports betting at New Jersey’s racetracks and in Atlantic City will be good for tourism and local businesses and will bring much needed tax revenue to our state.

“Silver’s comments represent one sports league finally coming to the realization that sports betting ought to be legal and occur in a regulated environment. While I believe the recent actions New Jersey has taken are legal, I agree with Silver that federal law must be changed so that individual states can actively regulate sports betting on their own.

“I have worked hard in Congress to change federal sports betting law, and I will continue to fight to do so. States like New Jersey should be able to do what is best for them.”

Christie unloads a flurry of vetoes, rebuffing changes on key legislation

It's hard to disagree with my Facebook friend Bob E. who stated that Gov. Christie's latest veto's announced yesterday where, "Disgraceful actions on the part of Christie. If he is more worried about what people around the country think about him than doing what is right for the people of NJ (especially the developmentally disabled) he should just resign now."

From NorthJersey.Com

 BY JOHN REITMEYER, JAMES M. O’NEILL AND MICHAEL PHILLIS
STAFF WRITERS 

"Governor Christie has rebuffed attempts to change the laws covering some of New Jersey’s most controversial and emotional issues, including the treatment of the developmentally disabled, disposal of fracking waste and the chance to bet on sports. 

In all, Christie rejected 11 bills using the absolute veto or conditional veto. He also approved six other bills and endorsed a resolution. 

The governor took action on the bills on Aug. 1, but did not disclose that fact to lawmakers or the public until his office announced the decisions in a news release on Friday afternoon. The actions will be officially recorded by the Legislature on Monday, said spokesman Kevin Roberts. 

Though it’s not unusual for announcements on bill signings and vetoes to be delayed slightly, Christie’s office released the details seven days after he departed for a vacation that left Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno as acting governor. On Tuesday, his office announced that Christie had signed a bill into law that day that bans the sale or importation of ivory and rhinoceros horns, a measure that was actually recorded by the Legislature on Aug. 1. 

Many of the measures Christie’s office announced on Friday were nearing the constitutionally mandated deadline for the governor to take action. 

For the second time in two years, Christie vetoed a bill intended to ban the treatment and disposal of waste generated by hydraulic fracturing, saying it violates the U.S. Constitution’s interstate commerce clause...." Read More

Here's the sidebar that explains it all:

Executive decisions

Governor Christie’s office announced on Friday that the governor took action earlier this month on 17 bills and one resolution recently passed by the Legislature. Christie signed seven of the measures and either outright rejected by veto or modified the others using a conditional veto.

Signed

• A measure allowing Internet gambling equipment to be located in secure Atlantic City facilities. Before the legislation, all gambling hardware had to be located in casinos. The new law now allows such equipment to be located at other places in Atlantic City.
• Legislation that allows new noise controls to be imposed on businesses in the Atlantic City tourism district. Previously, no noise control measures could be imposed on bars in the district at certain times of the year.
• A funding plan for the state Department of Environmental Protection for environmental infrastructure projects.
• A companion measure that allows developers to borrow from the state for such projects.
• Renaming the Easton-Phillipsburg Toll Bridge on Route 22 as the Sgt. William John Cahir Memorial Bridge. Cahir was a Marine who died in Afghanistan in 2009.
• Legislation establishing an equipment loan program within the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust.
• A resolution declaring the second Saturday in July every year as Dominican Pride Day.

Vetoed outright

• A bill that sought to change municipal tax-lien laws to generate more revenue and provide funding for urban revitalization programs. The bill would have created a pilot program.
• An effort to mandate that the commissioner of education approve any school closures and establish additional procedures.
• A move that would have given towns an exemption from the 2 percent property tax cap for flood insurance premiums.
• A measure that would have set specific standards for privatizing public services.
• Legislation that would have forced companies doing business with the state to disclose employees’ salary, gender and race to the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
• A ban on allowing waste from hydraulic fracturing to be stored in the state.
• An effort to repeal prohibitions against sports betting at New Jersey’s casinos and racetracks.
• An attempt to provide energy assistance to some families that qualify for food stamps.

Vetoed conditionally

• Legislation that would restart the statute of limitations on potential lawsuits every time someone received a discriminatory paycheck.
• A measure that would require that anyone moved from a developmental center to a private group home receive a similar level of care nearby.
• A push to stop the transfer of developmentally disabled patients who receive out-of-state care to in-state facilities pending further study of the process.

- Read more about this story  

What Are The Odds; Irish Bookmaker's Super Bowl XLVII Novelty Bet Specials

For all those gamblers out there that just can't get their fix in by voting the point spread, the over/under or which team will be the winner of this Sunday's Super Bowl between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, don't worry, you still have time to place a unique wager on the game.

The Irish bookmaker Paddy Power is currently taking a number of Super Bowl XLVII novelty wagers on such things as:

• The predominant color of the first outfit that Beyonce appears in onstage at the Super Bowl half time show -  (odds vary depending on color of dress)
• The first time that all three members of Destiny's Child are on stage together during the Super Bowl half time show - (odds 2/9 on the color of their dresses, 4/1 if they will be wearing hats)
• Will Alicia Keys be wearing a hat at any time during the singing of the National Anthem  (odds1/4) and play piano live along with singing the National Anthem (odds 4/1).
• Will Raven's linebacker Ray Lewis cry during the National Anthem (odds 1/8)
• The number of times 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kisses his bicep (under 2.5 odds 8/15 - over 11/8)

Paddy Power will be taking bets up until Super Bowl pregame festivities commence (or until they deem otherwise), so if you feel that you have to have "a little skin in the game" to make Super Bowl XLVII interesting and worth your wild to watch or enjoy, than you better place those bets soon.

Pallone Decries District Court Decision: Will Continue to Push for Sports Betting in New Jersey

LONG BRANCH, NJ—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement regarding a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Shipp in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey filed by the National College Athletics Association (NCAA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL) to determine if they are adversely impacted by the State of New Jersey allowing sports betting. Currently, only Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana have some type of exemption from the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a federal law prohibiting sports betting. Congressman Pallone is the author of the New Jersey Betting and Equal Treatment Act of 2012 (NJ BET Act), H.R. 3081, which amends the current law to exclude the State of New Jersey from the prohibition on professional sports gambling.

“It is absurd for the professional sports leagues and the NCAA to claim that they will suffer injuries as a result of the legalization of sports betting in New Jersey. That these organizations claim that the sports they represent will somehow have their reputation impacted is naïve at best and assumes that illegal gambling is not currently occurring in lieu of legal sports betting. The fact is that the presence of illegal betting and the crime that goes with it has a far greater impact on the legitimacy of sports organizations than legalization in New Jersey would.

“It is widely known that sports betting in the Unites States is currently occurring illegally and offshore and is frequently run by major criminal enterprises. Each year this illegal and offshore sports betting represents an estimated $380 billion. By making legal claims that they may suffer as a result of legalization of sports betting in New Jersey, the NCAA, MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL are in effect turning a blind eye to the reality of illegal sports gambling and admitting that they benefit under the current system.

“I will continue to push for the passage of my legislation making sports betting legal in New Jersey. My bill will not only help to stem the criminal activity associated with sports gambling, it would also pump much needed revenue into to our state by taking the gambling out of the shadows and regulating it. It has become clear that the states need to step in and regulate sports betting and bring critical revenues back into the state and out of the hands of criminals.”

Pallone Reacts to NCAA and Professional Sports Leagues’ Lawsuit to Block Sports Betting in New Jersey

LONG BRANCH, NJ—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement regarding a lawsuit filed by the National College Athletics Association (NCAA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL) to prevent the State of New Jersey from moving forward with allowing sports betting. Currently, only Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana have some type of exemption from the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a federal law prohibiting sports betting. Congressman Pallone is the author of the New Jersey Betting and Equal Treatment Act of 2012 (NJ BET Act), H.R. 3081, which amends the current law to exclude the State of New Jersey from the prohibition on professional sports gambling.

Congressman Pallone is also a co-sponsor of fellow New Jersey Congressman, Frank LoBiondo’s bill the Sports Gaming Opportunity Act of 2012, H.R. 3797, which would also take steps to bring sports betting to New Jersey:

“I am outraged by the lawsuit filed today by the NCAA and four professional sports leagues to prevent New Jersey from allowing legal sports betting in our state. The suit is disappointing and points to a naïve and unrealistic notion that prohibiting New Jersey from allowing sports betting will somehow reduce or prevent gambling on professional and college sports.

“It is widely known that sports betting in the Unites States is currently occurring illegally and offshore and is frequently run by major criminal enterprises. Each year this illegal sports betting represents billions of dollars. By engaging in this lawsuit, the NCAA, MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL are in effect condoning and encouraging the continued criminal activity associated with sports gambling, an activity for which state and federal law enforcement officials are forced to dedicate countless man hours and resources to pursue.

“My bill making sports betting legal in New Jersey would not only help to stem the criminal activity associated with sports gambling, it would also pump much needed revenue into to our state by taking the gambling out of the shadows and regulating it. It has become clear that the states need to step in and regulate sports betting.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleague, Congressman LoBiondo to push for both of our bills and to fight to allow New Jersey to bring critical revenues back into the state and out of the hands of criminals.”

Pallone and LoBiondo Team Up to Bring Sports Gaming to New Jersey

For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2012

Congressmen offer bills that will allow the state to legalize gambling of professional and amateur sports

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02) announced today that they are joining together in one concerted effort to expand sports gaming to New Jersey. A statewide ballot measure to amend New Jersey’s state constitution to allow sports gaming was overwhelmingly supported by New Jersey citizens by a 2-1 margin.

Both Congressmen Pallone and LoBiondo have separate bills to allow sports betting, but are working together in a bipartisan effort to gather support to bring sports betting to New Jersey.   The Congressmen issued a letter to Members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation asking them to support and co-sponsor both bills.  In the letter, Pallone and LoBiondo state that their bills represent different, but equally effective pathways of bringing sports gaming, and its associated revenue potentially amounting to billions, to the state.

The federal ban on professional and amateur sports betting enacted in 1992 currently prohibits states from implementing any new form of sports gaming. The Congressmen introduced two bills that that would provide for changes in the law that would allow sports gaming in New Jersey. H.R. 3081 would exempt New Jersey from current federal law and H.R. 3797, opens a window in which all states can enact a law providing for sports gambling in their state until January 1, 2016.  

“Sports betting is widely supported in the state of New Jersey, but federal law stands in the way of considerable revenues that will undoubtedly benefit the state,” said Pallone. “Both of these bills will enable us to bring sports betting to the state, and I look forward to working with my New Jersey colleagues to achieve this goal.”

“New Jersey has been clear about its intent to host sports-betting. Legalizing sports-betting would strengthen Atlantic City in the face of stiff competition, giving it an additional edge to attract visitors and critical tourism dollars,” said LoBiondo. “I appreciate Congressman Pallone’s partnership in gathering support for our effort to bring sports-betting to our state.”

In November 2011, New Jersey voters supported a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to allow sports gaming at casinos and racetracks by an almost 2-1 margin. The state of New Jersey subsequently passed and the Governor signed legal sports betting into law, but federal law still prohibits sports betting in the state.

Congressman Frank Pallone Introduces Bill Bringing Sports Betting to New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2012
Contacts: Ray Zaccaro (202) 225-4671

Trenton, N.J. – On Monday January 23, 2012, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.(NJ-06) will stand with NJ State Senators Raymond Lesniak (NJ-20) and Jim Whelan (NJ-02) at the New Jersey State House to announce legislation he is introducing that will open sports betting to New Jersey. The bill will exclude New Jersey from the federal prohibition on professional and amateur sports gambling.

In November, 2011 New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure amending the state constitution to authorize the Legislature to enact laws allowing sports wagering in New Jersey. On Wednesday, Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill allowing people over the age of 21 to place a bet on a sporting event in-person at special lounges created in casinos, racetracks or at the site of a former racetrack

"The existing federal law is unconstitutional and arbitrary, giving four states access to this billion-dollar industry, while shutting out the rest," said Pallone. "The citizens of New Jersey have made it clear they want the opportunity to share in the profits from professional sports betting. This legislation will help even the playing field and uphold our state's wishes on what is clearly a state issue."

Senator Lesniak said, "We appreciate Congressman Pallone's effort to get Congress to give New Jersey what our residents overwhelmingly want, the same ability to place bets on sporting events that it has given to the residents of Nevada and to boost revenues and jobs at our casinos and racetracks."

Pallone Fights for New Jersey’s Shot at Billions in Professional Sports Betting Profits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2011

Will Introduce Bill to Ensure Approved Sports Betting Referendum is Implemented

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. said when it comes to professional sports betting in New Jersey, the voters spoke yesterday and 2:1 voted to allow sports betting at casinos and racetracks. Pallone added that the federal government or any other entity that attempts to block implementation of this vote will not be tolerated.

“New Jersey voted for, and deserves a bite of the apple in terms of sports betting,” said Pallone. “Any delay in making this possible is a loss of profits for local businesses which is unacceptable.”

The threat to implementing the referendum approved by New Jersey voters Tuesday comes in the form of a 1992 law that prohibits any governmental entity from authorizing professional and amateur sports betting and when it was passed exempted four states from the law. The referendum allows the legislature to legalize betting on professional sports at approved locations.

“The law as it stands is unconstitutional and unfairly prohibits New Jersey from benefitting from this billion-dollar industry. We’re not asking to break the rules, rather that everyone play by the same rules,” Pallone added.

Pallone will introduce legislation on Monday that amends the current statute to exclude New Jersey from the prohibition on professional sports gambling and allow only professional sports betting. The legislation would allow a lottery, sweepstakes, or other betting, gambling or scheme to be operated which is exclusively based in New Jersey and which is based on professional sports. The legislation would force these changes to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Under the referendum, sports betting could be approved at the Monmouth Park Racetrack just outside Pallone’s district, potentially attracting hundreds of visitors to the area and thousands in new revenue for the park and surrounding businesses.

Could Sports Betting Be Coming to Atlantic City ?

In this video press release, in advance of Super Bowl XLIII, Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano (D-Cumberland/Atlantic/Cape May) and Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden) discuss their legislation to legalize professional sports betting in Atlantic City casinos.

The measure (A-1909) would provide New Jersey voters with an opportunity to decide - via a November General Election referendum - whether Atlantic City's casinos should be able to accept in-person wagers, limited to professional sporting events.