Ruling Expected in NJ Sports Betting Legalization

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp in Trenton, N.J., said at a hearing Feb. 14 he would announce his decision with two weeks.

Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 | Updated 12:29 PM EDT

Ruling Expected in NJ Sports Betting Legalization

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A ruling is expected in a federal lawsuit over whether New Jersey can legalize sports betting.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp in Trenton, N.J., said at a hearing Feb. 14 he would announce his decision with two weeks.

The four major pro sports leagues and the NCAA sued last year after Gov. Chris Christie signed a sports wagering law and announced plans to award licenses starting in 2013. The U.S. Justice Department later joined the leagues' suit.

The New Jersey law would allow sports wagering at Atlantic City casinos and the state's horse racing tracks. It would exempt games involving New Jersey colleges or college games played in the state.

At issue is whether a federal law restricting sports betting to four states, Nevada, Oregon, Montana and Delaware, is unconstitutional.