The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to leave the ban on sports betting in place within New Jersey. Gaming and Tourism Chairman Assemblyman Ralph Caputo told NJTV News Managing Editor Mike Schneider that he was disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision.
“I was disappointed more than surprised,” said Caputo. “Obviously this is a big blow because this legislation was pointed in the right direction. I think New Jersey was entitled to have the right to have sports betting in the state.”
Caputo said that the Supreme Court’s decision will have an impact on the terms of gaming within the state.
Sen. Ray Lesniak, who has supported sports betting in New Jersey, said in the past that the state needs to stop having any regulations over sports betting and let the casinos handle it. Caputo said that the Tourism and Gaming Committee would have to do some research on it, but that Lesniak may be on the right track.
Meanwhile in Atlantic City, Revel has said that if it does not find a buyer, the casino could be closing soon and leaving its 3,000 employees out of work.
“I think it was ill-conceived from the beginning,” Caputo said of Revel. “The marketing strategy has not worked. In terms of what the city and state and county have done to try to support this effort hasn’t led to any success.”
Caputo believes that it is time for a referendum in the state to relocate gaming to the north.
“It seems to be the only answer to bringing back that revenue, those valuable tax dollars to the state of New Jersey,” Caputo said.
As for the possibility of a casino in the Meadowlands or in other parts of the state, Caputo said that the recent casino numbers and events all dictate policy and that there is a need for a referendum.
Whether something can be done by Atlantic City, the casinos, casino operators or the state, Caputo said that he thinks they’ve reached capacity and that a couple of other places will close. As for Revel, a new owner could keep Revel in business, according to Caputo, but that it would still leave some concern for all of the employees.