Sweeney Helps Inaugurate Sports Betting At AC Casino

First Bet Is The Culmination of Fight To Allow Sports Gaming In NJ

Atlantic City – Senate President Steve Sweeney joined in the inaugural event to launch sports betting in Atlantic City’s casinos when he participated in the opening day activities at the Borgata Casino. The Borgata is the first New Jersey casino to open a sports betting parlor.

Senator Sweeney and “Dr. J,” the former basketball star Julius Erving, placed the first bets simultaneously. The betting parlor then opened to the public for business.

“Placing this bet is very satisfying because it is the culmination of a long and determined fight,” said Senator Sweeney. “We won when the Supreme Court ruled in our favor and now I expect New Jersey to be a winner with a thriving sports betting industry. It will be a boost to the economy and rewarding to New Jersey’s casinos and racetracks.”

The Supreme Court’s landmark decision striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was the culmination of a seven-year legal battle by New Jersey to allow wagering on sporting events.

A life-long fan of the Green Bay Packers, Senator Sweeney placed his bet on the Packers to win next year’s Super Bowl.

“The betting system and the regulatory oversight will protect and promote the integrity of sports gaming,” said Senator Sweeney. “We have experience with the casino industry in maintaining a gaming system that has the trust and respect of everyone, including those who place their wagers. New Jersey has been a role model and that will continue as we lead the way on this new sector of gaming.”

The law authorized state regulators to expedite the licensing process so that New Jersey was able to act quickly to capitalize on the state’s leadership position and competitive advantages. New Jersey has a 40-year history of experience with casinos and gaming officials have been working in preparation for the favorable Court decision.