Christie vetoes sports betting measure

Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed legislation that would have paved the way for sports wagering at New Jersey’s casinos and racetracks.

 

Christie on Friday rejected a bill that would have pushed New Jersey to circumvent a federal law banning gambling on pro and college sports in the state. The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the ban.

 

Christie said he disagrees with the decision, but feels the law is “sacrosanct.”

Both chambers of the Legislature overwhelmingly passed the bill in June days after the top court’s ruling.

Assembly Democrat Ralph Caputo, a sponsor of the legislation, called Christie’s decision disappointing and said the state is running out of options for raising review.

Christie says he is open to other approaches that comply with federal law.