February 17 has been set as the date when the US Third Circuit Court of Appeals will rehear the New Jersey sports-betting case.
The Third Circuit ruled 2-1 against the state in August, deciding that the law to legalise sports betting at racetracks and casinos introduced by the state last year would violate the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
The case can now be reheard following the Third Circuit’s decision to grant the state’s petition to rehear the case en banc, and the case will this time be judged by approximately 11 justices.
Despite the fact that the case will be heard in February, it could take several months for the Third Circuit to reach a verdict.
There is a possibility that the case could be appealed to the US Supreme Court by either side.
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement director David Rebuck spoke to Gambling Insider on the issue in November, outlining his belief that the state had taken a step forward by being granted the rehearing.
He said: “As you probably well know, we were advised a while back that the Third Circuit will hear the case en banc. That is probably the first time that we had a small victory in our efforts to date. Will that transpire to a win? I don’t know, but it certainly allows for a dialogue and a briefing before the entire Third Circuit, which is unusual.”
The state was not able to proceed with its plans to pass the law last year after the four major North American sports leagues and the National Collegiate Athletic Association filed for an injunction and the US District Court blocked the law.
