N.J. Senate to vote on adding sports betting at casinos, racetracks

TRENTON — The state senate today will vote on a bill that would clear the way for New Jersey to allow sports betting at casinos and racetracks — pending the outcome of a lawsuit seeking to overturn a federal ban on the practice. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), would put a question on the ballot in...

Amanda Brown/The Star-LedgerState Senator Ray Lesniak addresses the crowd in Elizabeth in this January file photo. TRENTON — The state senate today will vote on a bill that would clear the way for New Jersey to allow sports betting at casinos and racetracks — pending the outcome of a lawsuit seeking to overturn a federal ban on the practice.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), would put a question on the ballot in November to amend the state constitution so the Legislature could enact laws allowing sports betting.

Lesniak said he expects the bill to pass the Senate today and to be heard in the Assembly soon. It will have to pass by a two-thirds majority in both houses to get on the ballot this year.

“I’m confident we’ll have it on the ballot in November,” he said.

Since 1992, the federal government has banned sports betting, exempting four states: Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana.

But a lawsuit Lesniak filed along with several gambling interests seeks to overturn the law on the grounds that it discriminates against New Jersey and the 45 other states that are not allowed to have sports betting.

Lesniak, who said sports betting would bring the state $60 million in revenue, is waiting to see if Gov. Chris Christie will sign on to the lawsuit. If he does, he feels confident about its prospects.

“It’s about equal to the chance of Tiger Woods making a 10 foot putt to win a tournament,” he said.