Federal Courts To Reconsider NJ's Bid For Sports Betting

By David Madden

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The federal courts have done a reversal of sorts and will now reconsider New Jersey's bid to allow sports betting at casinos and racetracks.

The full Third Circuit will now take up the question, casting aside a 2-1 decision in favor of sports leagues and the NCAA last August. No reason was given for the move. But one main sponsor of sports betting is elated.

"It was just so exciting to see them vacate the decision against us," State Senator Raymond Lesniak told KYW Newsradio, " because now, I believe, that it's unlikely that they will turn around and rule the same way on the judgment that they have already vacated."

He's predicting a quick hearing on the matter and bets to be taken in Atlantic City in time for the Superbowl in February although, to be candid, he's made those predictions before. The court did not issue a schedule for reconsideration of the issue.

Courts have steadfastly ruled against the state in prior hearings, although New Jersey is now arguing that 2 rulings from the 3rd circuit offer different, opposing interpretations. That, in the state's opinion, leaves the matter unresolved.