(BELLEVILLE) – Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee Chair Ralph R. Caputo (D-Essex), who was the prime sponsor of the Assembly bill to allow sports betting in New Jersey that was vetoed by the governor just last month, issued the following statement on Monday concerning the governor’s decision to now allow sports wagering in the state:
“I am very pleased that the governor has approved sports wagering in the state.
“This is a shot in the arm that can help rejuvenate business for our casinos and racetracks.
“I was a proud sponsor of the Assembly bill to allow sports wagering in the state, which the governor vetoed. I don’t know why he decided to reverse course, but I am glad he did.
“It goes along with that the people of New Jersey wanted.
“This is a historic moment for New Jersey. Now we’re the leader in the region when it comes to sports betting, and are ahead of the curve when it comes to competing with neighboring states.
“We are running out of options on how to increase revenue. In light of the casino closures in Atlantic City, it is a very appropriate move and one that will help the state’s gaming industry.”