|
For Immediate Release |
 |
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Levinson Calls on State Legislature to Just Pass Sports Betting
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson called upon the state legislature to take a bold step and pass legislation approving sports betting in New Jersey despite a federal law prohibiting it. Levinson cited the state senate's recent decision to approve medical marijuana use and Governor Corzine's support for such a measure even though federal law prohibits it, as a precedent. "If the legislature is willing to violate federal law to allow compassionate marijuana use, then why shouldn't they do the same to get people back to work and strengthen one of the state's most important industries?" Levinson asked.
According to Levinson, the current economic crisis combined with increased competition from other gaming jurisdictions has severely affected New Jersey's casino industry. "People are losing jobs. Funding that helps senior and disabled citizens and the redevelopment of Atlantic City are all affected by declining casino revenues," Levinson said. "We must regain our competitive advantage and sports betting is the most simple and direct way of doing that. We need to be much more decisive and proactive on this critical issue. To put it bluntly, find a way to just do it."
Federal law limits sports betting to four states: Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Delaware. At the present time a bill is currently working its way through the Delaware state legislature. "If Delaware does legalize sports wagering, it would be a very serious challenge to Atlantic City's gaming industry. Atlantic City's gaming industry is severely stressed and we are seeing record declines in revenues. We have to do more than just 'urge' the federal government to change its policy," Levinson said.
Levinson's recommendation is much more aggressive than the resolution passed by the New Jersey State Senate on February 23 that merely "urges" Congress to remove the federal restriction on sports wagering. "This is too important to the future of New Jersey. For it to get the attention that it deserves requires that we take a firm, activist stand," Levinson said.
By some estimates as much as $800 million could be wagered annually on pro sports in Atlantic City casinos. "Even more than the dollars involved, it will encourage more people to come to Atlantic City and stay here. It will also improve our competitive edge against other casino destinations," Levinson said.
|
