Some could argue that Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, is responsible for forcing the U.S. Supreme Court to change the country’s position on sports gambling.  It took several tries, but Christie repeatedly fought to have the courts overturn PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a move that has allowed states to begin offering sports wagers and, in some cases, online gambling.  As some lawmakers have been pushing for the federal government to intervene and create federal sports gambling framework, Christie has spoken up and wants the lawmakers on Capitol Hill to keep their hands off the industry.

Last month, two lawmakers, Senators Orrin Hatch and Charles Schumer, respectively from Utah and New York, introduced legislation that would allow the federal government to control sports gambling.  However, this could potentially be damaging to the industry and is a gross overreach of the fed’s power.

During a meeting of the National Council of Legislation from Gaming States (NCLGS) in New Orleans, LA last Friday, Christie emphasized that lawmakers need to not fall for the tricks established by sports leagues that seek integrity fees.  He asserted, “We’re going to reward the people who fought us for seven years with fees that are going to diminish your margins?  They don’t need it, and given [the sports leagues’] conduct over the last seven years, they don’t deserve it.  We do not need a federal solution to this problem.  States have been regulating gambling for decades without incident.”

Ever since the Supreme Court reversed PASPA, a number of states – such as Delaware, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Mississippi – have already introduced sports gambling and several more are actively pursuing their own legislation.  2019 is beginning to shape up to be a great year for the industry.