New Jersey voters urged to vote yes in November gambling referendum

New Jersey voters urged to vote yes in November gambling referendum

Thursday, 15 September 2011

Phil Ivey cut his poker teeth at the casinos of New Jersey and he could be a step closer to placing sports bets there if the voters of the Garden State say yes to sports betting in a November referendum.

On 1st November, New Jersey citizens will vote on whether to permit legal sports wagering at Atlantic City casinos and the state's racetracks.


Though a yes vote wouldn't immediately see the introduction of sports wagering but according to the Casino Association of New Jersey, it would be an important step’ in efforts to overturn a federal ban in all but four states on sports betting. Currently only Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon can allow betting on sports.


The Casino Association of New Jersey, which represents Atlantic City's 11 gaming halls, issued a statement yesterday urging residents to vote yes in the poll.


“Legalized sports betting will attract more tourists to visit our city and enjoy our world-class entertainment, thriving restaurant industry, brand-name retail shopping and famous Boardwalk,” said Bob Griffin, president of the association. “Sports betting will allow Atlantic City to better compete, grow and reinvest in the region.”


It appears that the voting public are moving in that direction with a poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University earlier this year suggesting that 63% of voters would back sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and New Jersey racetracks.



Tags: New Jersey, legislation