IMEGA on US DOJ Intervention in NJ Sports Betting Lawsuit

Washington, DC - While the decision by the US Department of Justice is disappointing, it has little bearing on the heart of the matter - that this law preventing New Jersey from regulating sports betting is unconstitutional. DOJ’s presence will make it more interesting, but won’t make a difference.

New Jersey only wants to do what Nevada and Delaware are free to do - regulate and tax sports betting - to save Atlantic City’s casinos and the state’s race tracks. It is confusing why the Obama administration would oppose a law approved in New Jersey by a 2-to-1 margin in a reliable “blue state”.

And though it’s not likely that US Attorney-General Eric Holder made this decision based on his recent work as counsel and crisis manager for the NFL, it is legitimate to ask why the DOJ would side with billionaire team owners over the voters of New Jersey.