NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he believes a 1992 federal law restricting sports betting to four states will be found unconstitutional.
Christie spoke Tuesday after the NCAA and the four major sports leagues filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the state from allowing sports gambling. The suit cites the 1992 federal law, which makes placing money on games illegal in 46 states.
Christie tells reporters he doesn’t think the federal government has the right to decide which states can allow sports betting. He added the lawsuit doesn’t acknowledge that there is “illegal sports gambling going on in every state in America.”
In January, Christie signed a law to allow sports betting in New Jersey. He says he expects the state will prevail.
The leagues claim betting would threaten the sanctity of the game.
