New Jersey’s long road to legalizing sports gambling
It took New Jersey 2,380 days — and two attempts — to overcome the federal ban on sports gambling. Here’s how the battle was won, beginning with a ballot initiative in 2011:
Nov. 8, 2011: New Jersey residents vote overwhelmingly, by a nearly 2-to-1 margin (63.9 percent-to-36.1 percent), to change the state Constitution to allow the legislature to repeal prohibitions against sports gambling.
Nov. 21, 2011: New Jersey state Senate introduces bill to legalize sports gambling.
Jan. 9, 2012: NJ legislature passes the Sports Wagering Act of 2012 that allows sports gaming at casinos and racetracks. Law establishes regulations and licensing rules to allow gambling.
Jan. 12, 2012: Gov. Christie signs bill into law.
Aug. 7, 2012: NCAA and others file suit in District Court to block New Jersey’ Sports Wagering Act.
Feb. 28, 2013: District Court Judge Michael Shipp issues a permanent injunction against New Jersey law, finding that the Professional and Amateur Sports Betting Act of 1992, or PASPA, does not violate the US Constitution.
Sept. 17, 2013: Third Circuit Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 decision, upholds lower court decision that the law violates PASPA.
February 2014: New Jersey filed writ of certiorari with SCOTUS.
June 23, 2014: US Supreme Court denies to hear New Jersey’s appeal.
June 23, 2014: On the same day SCOTUS denied Cert, state legislature introduces Sports Wagering Act of 2014.
June 26, 2014: Legislature passes Sports Wagering Act of 2014.
Aug. 8, 2014: Christie vetoes legislation.
Oct. 9, 2014: State legislature re-introduces Sports Wagering Act of 2014, which only partially repeals state prohibitions of 2012 law and only in certain circumstances. (Betting on college games played in New Jersey is not allowed — as is betting on New Jersey colleges no matter where they play.)
Oct. 14, 2014: NJ state Senate passes Sports Wagering Act of 2014 by 28-1.
Oct. 16, 2014: NJ state Assembly passes measure by 73-4.
Oct. 17, 2014: Gov. Chris Christie signs into law the Sports Wagering Act of 2014, saying Monmouth would begin accepting sports bets on Oct. 26.
Oct. 20, 2014: NCAA and professional sports leagues file suit in District Court to block new law.
Oct. 21, 2014: During a hearing, the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association says it still plans to begin accepting sports bets on Oct. 26.
Oct. 24, 2014: District Court issues TRO to keep NJTHA from beginning to accept bets.
Nov. 20, 2014: District Court hears oral arguments on NCAA and leagues’ request to kill the 2014 law.
Nov. 21, 2014: Judge Shipp rules that the Sports Wagering Act of 2014 violates PASPA. Judge ruled that PASPA gives the state two choices — keep prohibition or repeal prohibition, but not to allow sports gambling.
Aug. 25, 2015: NJ loses appeal 2-1 before the US Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Aug. 9, 2016: NJ loses en banc appeal before full Third Circuit court.
Oct. 7, 2016: New Jersey appeals to SCOTUS.
June 27, 2017: SCOTUS agrees to hear case.
Dec. 4, 2017: Case is argued before the US Supreme Court.
May 14, 2018: Supreme Court rules PASPA unconstitutional, opening the door for New Jersey and other states to offer sporting betting.