Foes in NJ sports betting suit argue cases
Judge hearing arguments in leagues' lawsuit seeking to stop NJ from allowing sports betting
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The two sides in the dispute over sports gambling in New Jersey are arguing in court over the question of whether the NCAA and the four major pro sports leagues can sue to stop the state's plans.
U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp is weighing the issue Tuesday as part of a lawsuit filed against Gov. Chris Christie.
The leagues and NCAA sued Christie in August after he vowed to defy a federal ban on sports wagering. New Jersey's Legislature enacted a sports betting law last January, limiting bets to the Atlantic City casinos and the state's horse racing tracks.
The leagues argue gambling hurts the integrity and perception of their games. Lawyers for the state say the leagues have prospered alongside legalized sports gambling in Nevada and widespread illegal gambling.
