Atlantic City Getting Sportsbooks?

[sd2]

First time at home on Friday night in 2 months. Burp!! Plus all those good games to watch.

While channel surfing I caught aa Philly station stating that New Jersey may well get sports betting soon. Right now they got the usual casino games and horse racing.

Around 15 years ago Jersey had a chance to opt out of the Bradley Bill (banning sports betting except where it was grandfathered in). But under pressure from the 3 pro sports franchises (two of whom do not deign to use NJ in their names) and the NFL and NBA, who threatened to pull their teams out of the state, Jersey caved.

But now two of those franchises may be leaving anyway (Jets back to NY, and the Nets have been shopping cities), and the most corrupt state in the union desperately needs the money. It 's possible sports betting will be in exchange for AC not fighting the struggling Jersey racetracks getting slots, just like their neighboring tracks in Delaware have, and soon Pennsy and maybe New York.

Sure, the Vegas casinos (many of the 15 casinos in AC are owned by Vegas interests) may not liike the sports books, but they do draw the crowds and increase the slot handle. An AC casino manager last year told me that they were missing a lot of money not having sports, "because eveyone plays online anyway. Sure, we'd love to have it."

I don't know how true the report was, as I've seen nothing online (in a brief search) that would confirm it, or even if the State of Corruption could back out of the Bradley ban, but it will be interesting if true.

 

[sportsbet]

We can only hope NJ doesn't mess this up.

sb

 

[TheGeneral+]

In past discussions it was stated this would never happen. I have no idea, but hope it comes to be.

 

[sherman]

Would be nice

Can Connecticut be NEXT? PLEASE!

 

[Nomad1951]

In order for Jersey to even consider this issue, federal law would have to be changed. I work in Congress, and up to this point have seen absolutely nothing to indicate any interest in such a change. Of course, the new Congress takes its seat on Jan 3, and anything is possible. But the same old anti-gambling zealots are still in office (sorry all of you who think John McCain is such a great guy, but while he goes to the craps tables in Vegas, as most people know he is no friend of those who like to wager on sports, either on the net or in person), Republicans and Democrats alike.

Think Jersey legislators would have to hook up and work with those from Mississippi, where casino owners in the past have expressed interest in sports betting. However, what they would like and what Congress may or may not do, are two entirely different questions.

Some day when I have time, I will post a cute story on how the federal law in the early 90s that took aways states' rights to decide for themselves on sports gambling came to be.

 

[charleslanger]

Casinos & racetracks blew a golden chance years ago by not getting together during the last failed referendum / initiative. At that time, when Garden ST right outside Phila was still around, racetracks campaigned furiously against sports betting, & casinos against racetrack simulcasting & OTB's.

Both sides should've made an agreement to work together, and in exchange the racetracks could've had full simulcast & sportbet parlors managed / revenue-shared w./by the casinos. 5-30 minutes from NYC(Meadowlands), Phila(Garden State), & Delaware/Maryland. With the added attractions of full sports & horse betting, there'd have been no need for the racetracks to posess slots. In addition phone/internet betting(legalized years ago, but just put into place days ago) could today be shared by casinos, otb's, racetracks. With all this in place, AC would maybe have overtaken Vegas-- in all likelihood they'd have precipitated Vegas's enabling of internet wagering, which they're in the process of establishing right now. In answer Delaware would likely have instituted the same by now(full gambling is legal there, just not approved locally) in response, as they were among the first to legalize lotteries, & slots to revitalize moribund Delaware Park racetrack. That domino effect could've spread elsewhere in full as opposed to just a few slots at some racetracks, as Phila is now putting slots in racetracks, Maryland could've but the Governor nixed that, in spite of having necessary Legislative votes to pass(& also the previous Governor would've, but the moron owner of the Md Jockey Club financed his election opponent). Who knows where full-fledged gambling'd be in this country, if that seed had germinated.

Woulda been a win, win for everyone-- even for most of the rest of us not in that jurisdiction. Shows you what selfish infighting can NOT accomplish.

 

[WildBill]

New Jersey could just sue for overturning the federal law and possibly win. It is of dubious standing according to many attorneys.

Charleslanger you have said a few times now that Nevada is getting internet betting in line. I don't hear this to be true and have asked you what makes you think this but you don't answer. I would really like to know because it has major implications but I have heard zero positive feedback on this from regulators and operators. What exactly has given you this idea?

 

[Doug]

Would be nice

Can Connecticut be NEXT? PLEASE!

Sherman: What difference does it make ? All the best books are offshore. If Sun/Foxwoods had a book, I wouldn't play there ! The only benefit I see is if offshore becomes taboo. I can't drive half an hour each way to place a bet. I'd have to move into the casino. You would never have to worry about non-payment, though. I haven't gone to either one in years ! I only like games I can beat. The only reason I would play at either one is to play poker at Foxwoods, only beatable game at either one, unless you consider Tate's roullete. I don't even play BJ in CT.

I'd go for a concert or to dine, but not gamble !

 

[charleslanger]

Sorry, WildBill-- first time i see your query......

I've never had as hard a time keeping track of threads in any board as here-- they can be all over the place, irregardless of topic.... maybe the sheer size has something to do with this.

WildBill:

The basic law(s) allowing that were passed a long time ago--2001 & 2002-- the holdup in implementation has been things like:

separate licenses need to be applied for by both casinos & any/all involved equipment, etc....

determining that the systems put in place ensure full compliance with ALL laws-- to wit--

only residents from the specific Nevada counties permitted, any states that allow it(Delaware?), international, of legal age, not in the Black Book / convicted of certain felonies, etc. can have access. Gaming Commission needs to be convinced, and in turn convince lawmakers, that no one else can have access. Predictably, they will want to be shown that some kid cannot just use his parents data & gamble online, that some credit card holder not old enough to gamble still gets in, that no money laundering goes on, that any past / future persons barred cannot get through, no cheating, checks in place against problem gamblers, etc.
My mind boggles at the enormous task: Gaming Commission grills each party involved, then has to enact specific regs & prodedures for each step. Then they in turn will get grilled. And who knows how far along in these confidential processes they are? Maybe by 2020?

 

[Doug]

Charles: are you an attorney ?

 

[charleslanger]

No, Doug-- I just have a great interest like WildBill, in Nevada.

I need to make a decision on a base of operations.......

 

[charleslanger]

WilldBill:

I mis-read your question & got long-winded for nothing.

I didn't say anything you don't already know in spades. Sorry.
I gotta lay off the catnip...

I see where you're coming from... it ain't happening soon, not in years maybe.

Shame............

 

[sherman]

Sherman: What difference does it make ? All the best books are offshore. If Sun/Foxwoods had a book, I wouldn't play there ! The only benefit I see is if offshore becomes taboo. I can't drive half an hour each way to place a bet. I'd have to move into the casino. You would never have to worry about non-payment, though. I haven't gone to either one in years ! I only like games I can beat. The only reason I would play at either one is to play poker at Foxwoods, only beatable game at either one, unless you consider Tate's roullete. I don't even play BJ in CT.

I'd go for a concert or to dine, but not gamble !

It would be nice as another option. For example, wanting to lay a large wager, I'd feel more comfortable playing it there.

 

[jjgold]

This will never happen

 

[Doug]

Sherman: How large you think they would take without moving line ? I think your looking nickel, dime stuff, tops.

Sun killed live poker, for slots, nice move ! Any East coast casino sports book would suck worse than anything in Vegas. Get real, Dude ! Vegas is bad enough, Sun probably throws -120 lines, forget it !

Offshore or locals if you must, no East coast casino book , will work !

 

[jjgold]

NJ/NY Locals will not let it happen

 

[booze]

agree with JJ; Tri-state area syndicates would probably be the biggest opponents of sportsbooks in AC. Decent article on it from a few months ago...

Pro, anti-gambling interests clash
By Terrence Dopp

TRENTON -- Legalized sports betting in Atlantic City would be a financial windfall for New Jersey and would allow the city's casinos to compete with flashier Las Vegas counterparts, industry executives testified on Monday.

But, according to detractors of a plan to allow the wagering, it would also be a corrupting influence on professional sports such as baseball, football, basketball and hockey.

The two views clashed as the Assembly's tourism and gaming committee held hearings on whether to move ahead with plans to legalize sports books in New Jersey casinos.

Jon Moyer, special counsel to the National Football League, testified against the plan. "In short, legalized sports gambling would tarnish the image of the game," he said. "Public confidence is the cornerstone of our game."

Moyer said betting on the games would create suspicion over mishaps and cause fans to believe "the fix is in."

Some lawmakers see the matter differently.

Sports betting in New Jersey's one dozen casinos would bring in extra revenue from the 8 percent casino tax -- revenue that could be pumped into health care for seniors and charity hospital care, they say.

Casino executives said the Pharmaceuticals for the Aged and Disabled program sees $350 million annually from casino revenue.

As a bonus, supporters add, legalization would fend off potential challenges from states that have lifted bans on sports wagering including Nevada, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Montana.


Joe Lupo, vice president of operations at the Borgata Hotel & Casino, estimated that $80 billion to $300 billion is bet on sports each year in America, with only 1 to 3 percent conducted legally.

Using that estimate, New Jersey's share of the casinos' minimum $50 million in profits would be $5 million to $8 million, he said.

"The fact of the matter is that sports betting already exists in New Jersey, as it does in many other states. New Jersey just isn't benefiting from it," said Lupo, who was head of sports wagering at the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas, long considered the epicenter of sports bookmaking.

"Atlantic City casinos would be able to provide the type of environment experienced in destination resorts such as Las Vegas."

When voters approved legalized table gambling in Atlantic City, they tied the revenue to senior health care programs.

Since that 1978 vote, two previous attempts to allow sports books have died.

Typically, professional sporting leagues oppose the efforts, along with those who consider sports betting to be morally wrong because it entices fans to gamble.

Moyer, the NFL attorney, noted the differences between New Jersey's legalized games of chance and sports betting.

"All of the games New Jersey made legal were created as gambling vehicles. They exist for no other reason and revolve around pure chance," Moyer said. "What we're talking about here, if this comes to fruition, is the only form of gambling that would turn on a human endeavor."

One Republican legislator said the moral objections do raise important questions.

"I think in the past there has been a concern about it for that reason," said Senate minority leader Leonard Lance, R-Hunterdon/Warren, a member of the Senate budget panel. "I want to review it very closely."

Lupo, the Borgata executive, said major sporting events prove a huge revenue boost for Las Vegas, as betters and sports fans flood the city during Super Bowl season.

"In Las Vegas during Super Bowls and other events, occupation rates are full," Lupo said. "People are not coming just to see the events. And Atlantic City will see that as well."

Casting further doubt on the success of the current push is a federal interstate commerce law allowing sports wagering in just four states.

Van Drew said this law could likely be challenged because the bets would be placed in person at casino windows, exempting them from interstate commerce regulations.

"This is not just an Atlantic City issue, this is a New Jersey issue and a senior issue," he said. "Regardless of your opinion on the subject, I believe anything would need to go before voters."

While remaining guarded about his support for the proposal, Gov. James E. McGreevey has been receptive to the idea.

"It is an intriguing idea that deserves some scrutiny," said McGreevey spokesman Micah Rasmussen.

Source: NJ.com

 

[jjgold]

the locals will donate so much money to campaigns so it never passes

 

[WildBill]

I agree it is highly unlikely in AC and I see much higher chance of it in Delaware first. Nevada isn't going to offer more than closed loop betting for quite some time.

 

[charleslanger]

and i don't see Delaware wanting to get into that......

Nevada casinos have no clue they money they will make with just worse-case closed loop alone--- imo....... they will handle unbelievable amounts-- it will be a golden age for beards/agents/middlemen......

barring of course, any onerous compulsive gambler or money launderer limits in place...