The Trump administration is lining up with the NFL and other professional sports leagues in support of maintaining the US sports betting ban. The move is surprising to anyone who thought the former casino owner would back the gaming industry on this contentious issue.
News of the administration’s support of maintaining the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) came in the form of a brief filed with the Supreme Court. PASPA is the act that, for all intents and purposes, banned sports betting in every state but Nevada and is the act that the State of New Jersey has been trying to overturn for the last seven years.
Many in the gaming industry were surprised by the news, especially those who were familiar with Trump’s long history of supporting regulated sports betting. Others were surprised that an administration headed by a former casino owner would turn its back on the gaming industry. Even Trump sycophant, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was shocked at the turn of events.
In an interview with HBO Sports, as reported on by the Chicago Tribune, Christie called the NFL a bunch of hypocrites for allowing a sports franchises in Las Vegas, while restricting sports betting everywhere else.
They say because we have the Giants and the Jets and the Devils that somehow we shouldn’t be allowed to have gambling here because somehow it will threaten the integrity of the game. Well, you kidding? How isn’t it threatening the integrity of the game in Las Vegas for the NHL and the NFL?
Christie was, however, careful not to name check the current occupant of the White House while making his remarks.
The Supreme Court will hear New Jersey’s case on December 4.