New Jersey sports betting decision delayed

The US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has delayed a decision as to whether it will hear an appeal from New Jersey in its attempt to legalise sports betting in the state.

According to various reports in the US media, SCOTUS has requested a brief from the Solicitor General on the ongoing case, before considering taking the case at a later date.

The US has an acting Solicitor General at present, although the position will be filled permanently after President-Elect Donald Trump takes office tomorrow (Friday).

The Solicitor General will consider a number of claims from New Jersey, including the state’s position on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which makes it unlawful for governmental entities to sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, licence or authorise betting, gambling or wagering schemes based on games played by amateur or professional athletes.

New Jersey has said this law is unconstitutional, adding that it is against the U.S. Constitution for the federal government to usurp state rights and provide Nevada with the ability to run a sports betting scheme, while denying other states the same opportunity.

Nevada is currently the only state in the US where sports betting is legal.

Related article: New Jersey reveals record online gaming revenue in December