By Zachary Persing ’15, Sports Editor

On November 18^th, a major blow was dealt to the State of New Jersey’s efforts to legalize sports betting, when a U.S. District Judge granted a restraining order and ruled in favor of the NCAA and major professional sports leagues. Opponents of legalized sports betting argue that New Jersey’s legalization of sports betting would be in direct violation of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. A bipartisan group of state legislators, including Governor Chris Christie, has argued that the law is not only unconstitutional, but also prevents economic growth in the State of New Jersey. A plurality of legal experts have stated that at some point or another the case will likely reach the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court has never ruled on a case of this nature and because this is an issue that could have an effect on not only New Jersey, but also America’s 49 other states.

Many of the arguments in favor of legalized sports gambling are economically driven. Perrin Clark ’15, President of the Newark Academy Think Tank Club, said, “I see nothing wrong with sports betting becoming legalized. The government could possibly get some revenue from it which would help the state.” In the past, much of the State’s economy has been centered around tourism from visitors to New Jersey’s racetracks and casinos. But over the last decade, tourism across the state has been down. In the past eight years, Atlantic City, alone, has lost an estimated $2.3 Billion because of reduced tourism rates ( h/t nj.com.) Additionally, over the past year, five New Jersey casinos have been closed due to economic hardships (h/t nj.com.) Many people feel that legalized sports gambling would pump needed life into the New Jersey tourism industry. Casino and racetrack owners have been among the most vocal proponents of legalized sports betting. Both casinos and racetracks had the necessary equipment for sports gambling, but were stopped by the restraining order only hours before they were scheduled to begin taking bets. Only time will tell if they will ultimately be permitted to use that equipment.

Some people, on both sides of the issue, have arguments that are more philosophical than economic. Elias Neibart ’16, the quarterback for the Newark Academy Football Team, said, “Sports betting should be legal in NJ for one simple reason: less government.  Legalizing sports betting is one of the many things New Jersey can do to foster an environment that values economic liberty and individual responsibility.”

Those opposed to legalized sports betting argue that the integrity of games could be compromised due to potential point shaving by players and/ or referees. Other people have argued that the government should block sports betting because it is immoral, and the government has a responsibility to stop immoral behaviors. Either way, legalized sports betting would have some effect on the state economy, but it is important to understand that the arguments for and against legalized sports betting stretch far beyond the economy.

At the end of the day, it is tough to say whether sports betting will ultimately be legalized in New Jersey. Because there are parties with vested interests on both sides of the argument, litigation could continue for close to a decade.