(TRENTON) – Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland), released the following statement on the signing of A-4111, legalizing sports betting:
“It’s been a long road to legalized sports betting in New Jersey. If you think of all of the steps it took to arrive at this moment – wading through unfair federal regulations, a public referendum, and appeal after appeal taking us all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court – today holds significance.
“New Jersey residents wanted sports betting and we now have it. The legislature has completed the directive the people of New Jersey gave us. It’s a tremendous accomplishment that will help boost the economy and, most importantly, create opportunities for the industry and for families which did not exist prior to legalization.
“From the beginning, we were focused on ensuring our state the opportunities well-regulated, legal sports gaming could provide –new jobs, industry expansion and economic growth. We have accomplished that. We got it done for New Jersey.
“Casinos and racetracks will not reap the rewards alone. By attracting new customers, we increase tourism; local businesses will also reap the benefits afforded by this new revenue stream. This is good news all around for Atlantic City and for the entire state of New Jersey.”