Winner
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Mr Green
SuperLenny
Leo Vegas
Vera&John;
There’s finally some good news for the New Jersey gambling scene after what could be termed its annus horribilis.
Governor Chris Christie, an inveterate opponent of US sports betting and online gambling, has suddenly changed his mind and has said that casinos and racing tracks can start taking legal sports bets as soon as they are able to do so.
This comes after his previous veto of the state gambling bill in August, which in itself follows on from his veto of a previous bill that would govern online gambling in February 2013, which makes his sudden about-face even more interesting to note.
However, this also comes at a time where the New Jersey gambling industry is in dire straits. After the closure of 3 casinos already this year, one slated to do so next week, and the Trump Taj Mahal threatening to close down unless some guardian angel can be found, the East Coast gambling mecca is not looking too good at all, to put it nicely.
There’s also a looming legal challenge from the state’s Attorney General, which will be heard on 6 October 2014. So New Jersey gamblers will probably have to wait a bit longer before they can start betting on their favorite sports matches.
There’s one more proviso to Christie’s decision: bookmakers cannot take bets on matches involving college matches taking place in New Jersey, or on matches involving New Jersey college teams, whether within or outside the state’s borders.
Bearing in mind the fact the NFL has just kicked off, and it looks to be another exciting season, we’re sure that Jersey gamblers are looking forward to placing their bets already.
So if you’re planning a trip to Atlantic City, you won’t have to wait too long before you can play the slots, win a hand or two of Blackjack, take a flutter on the racetrack, and place a spread bet on an NFL game.
The question, of course, is not so much if, but when. Keep watching this space for more details!
