N.J. Congressmen work on bringing sports betting to Garden State

Two New Jersey Congressmen are introducing different bills that would allow the Garden State to offer sports betting.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., is sponsoring legislation that would exempt New Jersey from the federal ban on sports wagering.

The constitutional amendment voters approved in November shows residents want to be able to legally make those bets, Pallone said.

“My view is that, right now, we have a better chance of getting this passed if we’re just doing it for New Jersey because New Jersey has now the state legislation,” Pallone said. “So there’s a reason a do it for New Jersey — and not necessarily for other states.”

Pallone said, however, he will work with U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., who is introducing a bill that would give all states until 2016 to legalize sports betting.

Pallone said he sees economic benefits.

“We’re very much concerned about the burden on the middle class. How much more can we expect people to pay out in taxes or fees or whatever?” Pallone said. “This is a way of generating some significant revenue that helps take the burden away from the middle class and also creates jobs.”