Last Tuesday, Delaware became the first state outside of Nevada to offer sports betting. On this historic day, $322,135 of bets were placed, including a $10 bet on the Philadelphia Phillies by Delaware Gov. John Carney (Phillies won 6-1). This Monday, NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that authorizes sports betting in New Jersey as well. The first betting day will be this Thursday.
Gov. Carney issued the following statement:
“For us, it’s really an enhancement of our tourism industry. It will attract a lot of visitors to our state, particularly at this time of year, during the summer, coming to our beautiful beaches south of here. They come here and stop at the casinos and do slot machine and table gaming. This will be another opportunity for them.”
Gov. Murphy also issued statements:
“Today, we’re finally making the dream of legalized sports betting a reality for New Jersey”
“I am thrilled to see the Supreme Court finally side with New Jersey and strike down the arbitrary ban on sports betting imposed by Congress decades ago”
The U.S Supreme Court ruling back in mid-May made it legal to offer full-scale sports betting options. The ruling deemed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 unconstitutional. Many state legislatures are pushing for new betting freedoms. Following the ruling, Caesars Entertainment stock price rose 6%. Delaware and New Jersey were the first states to take advantage.
In Delaware, plenty of options were available on the first day of betting at 3 casinos: Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots in Wilmington, Dover Downs in Dover, and Harrington Raceway & Casino in Harrington.
On Thursday in New Jersey, sports bets will be made available at The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa while the 6 other casinos in Atlantic City continue to prepare.
Industry specialists suggest that a huge online network for sports betting is on the horizon. In New Jersey, the legislation forces gamblers to wait 30 days after the bill signing to place online bets.
State Assemblyman and a sponsor of New Jersey’s law, Ralph Caputo, stated on Monday that, “It’s history in the making. This is one of those moments when you’re pleased you serve as an elected official. This is in an instance where you provide something that’s good for the public, that’s good for the citizens, that cleans up an industry that needs to be changed, and hopefully helps New Jersey’s economy”.
Delaware and New Jersey hope to boost their economies and set a good example for other interested states.
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