Sports betting coming to Atlantic City?

[The Buzz]

A New Jersey Assembly committee has put forward a bill that would legalize sports betting on professional sports. An NFL lawyer has - surprise, surprise - criticized the plan.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/n...-7432647c.html

[dagus]

He added afterward that the NFL opposes the plan because "it's bad for the image of the sport and it's bad to turn the players into roulette chips."

I really don't understand this analogy. With this logic, then this NFL lawyer would rather keep the players as a back-alley thug who'll break your knees if your bet loses? If sports betting turned into a more widely accepted (legally) regulated industry, then they'd put those thugs out of business!

[The Buzz]

The New Jersey Assembly passed the bill easily, 58-17.

"Ever since its inception, Atlantic City's casinos have scored big for taxpayers, senior citizens, and residents with disabilities," said co sponsor Louis Greenwald (D-Camden). "Now, aggressive marketing campaigns from out-of-state gaming interests have become a real and present danger to Atlantic City. With one of the state's most important industries in the crosshairs, it is imperative that we seize this unique opportunity."

Atlantic City casinos have been under mounting pressure from rival casinos owned by Native American tribes north of New York City. Namely Foxwoods Hotel & Casino in Connecticut. The move would boost the entire New Jersey economy.

"Sports betting already exists in New Jersey, but only the criminals are enjoying the profits," said John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester / Cumberland / Salem). "Legal, carefully regulated sports wagering would bolster both Atlantic City and the state. New Jersey should go all-in."

http://www.point-spreads.com/industr...y-casinos.html