(1st LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam on Wednesday welcomed a new poll that shows New Jersey voters support by a nearly 2-1 margin a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in New Jersey.
Albano and Milam are among the sponsors of the proposed constitutional amendment (ACR-167) that asks voters whether New Jersey should allow sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and horse racing tracks in the state, if federal law is changed.
The Rutgers-Eagleton poll shows 58 percent of likely voters support the proposal, which will be decided by voters in the Nov. 8 election. The poll found 31 percent oppose it.
“New Jersey voters know that a strong Atlantic City that creates jobs and economic development revolves around keeping pace with the times, and legal, carefully regulated sports wagering would bolster both Atlantic City,” Albano said. “New Jersey should go all-in, and I’m pleased to see the voters leaning in that direction. I urge them to maintain their support.”
“We need to ensure Atlantic City stays on the cutting edge and has a competitive advantage against the new wave of gambling offerings in other states so we can keep creating jobs and economic growth,” Milam said. “We need to help Atlantic City up the ante if it’s to remain the East Coast’s premier gaming destination, and approving this amendment would be a great step in the right direction. I’m encouraged by the support.”
Under the proposal, bets could be placed at a casino or racetrack site on the results of professional, college or amateur sport or athletic events, except on college games that take place in New Jersey or in which a New Jersey college team participates.
