New Jersey: bill to allow bets on eating contests and Oscars advances
New Jersey’s bill would widen the definition of “sporting events” to allow betting on eating competitions and the Oscars.
US.- A bill that would allow gamblers in New Jersey to place bets on eating contests and the Oscars has moved forward from the Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
The bill, backed by senators Jim Beach and Chris Brown, would widen the definition of “sporting events” to permit legal wagers on other types of competitions under New Jersey’s gaming regulations, which are enforced by the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
The DGE has previously permitted voting on the Oscars but can only do so via a special ruling. Legislation would smoothen out the authorisation process, allowing wagers of up to $100 to be placed on events such as the Oscars and eating competitions, with a maximum prize of $500.
Most states do not permit betting on the Oscars since the results are already known to a small group of people before they are announced publicly.
Nevertheless, the bill passed the Assembly Tourism, Gaming & The Arts Committee last year and was approved by the full assembly in July. Now with the backing of the Senate committee, it seems likely it will come into law.
New Jersey is the largest gambling market in the US, although February saw a decline in sports betting and casino gambling while igaming performed strongly.
