USA: major sports leagues file complaint against New Jersey for trying to legalise sports betting

The major North American sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and the NCAA) filed a complaint in federal court, on 20/10/2014, to prevent the legalisation of sports betting in the State of New Jersey, as of 26/10/14. New Jersey is one of 46 states covered by a federal ban on sports betting. Governor Chris Christie signed a law allowing race-tracks and casinos to offer sports betting on 17/10/2014.

The NBA (basketball), NFL (American football), NHL (ice hockey), MLB (baseball) and the NCAA (US college sports) argue in their complaint that the State of New Jersey acted "in clear and flagrant violation of federal law -- to accomplish what it unsuccessfully attempted to do three years ago: sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, license or authorize gambling on amateur and professional sports at state-licensed casinos and horse racetracks." Federal Judge Michael Shipp agreed with the complainants on 24/10/2014, and temporarily suspended the law enacted by the State of New Jersey. The final decision must be made in November 2014.

Sports betting allowed in only four US states

• A federal law…