In August 2012, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, NCAA, National Football League, and National Hockey League (“Major Leagues”) filed suit against New Jersey relating to a law signed by Governor Christie allowing for betting on sporting events.  A more thorough description can be found here.  The Major Leagues recently filed a brief with the Court calling the New Jersey legislation a “blatant violation of federal law.”   The Major Leagues also chastise Governor Christie, a former United States attorney, for attempting to contradict federal law.  The majority of the Major Leagues’ argument states the Act adopted by New Jersey blatantly violates the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a federal law.  The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act bars sports wagering in all states other than Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana, which all had legalized the activity prior to the adoption of the federal act.  New Jersey challenges the federal law by arguing that it is unconstitutional.

For any questions, feel free to contact Christian Dennie at cdennie@bgsfirm.com.