WHO'S THE GUV'NOR?
Chris Christie to join Sports Betting Hall of Fame DURING HIS TIME AS STATE GOVERNOR FOR NEW JERSEY, Christie
was instrumental in generating the political will to revisit and challenge the federal ban on sports betting via PASPA, ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in May 2018
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overnor Chris Christie is to be recognised by the sports betting industry for the pioneering role that he played in widening the scope for sports betting in the US. He will officially be inducted into the Sports Betting Hall of Fame - curated by Sports Betting Community (SBC) at a ceremony held on 25 April 2019 at Sky Room in Manhattan (330 West 40th Street) as part of the closing party for the inaugural Betting on Sports America. Christie spent more than seven years fighting for legalized sports betting in New Jersey. It was his efforts in spearheading the challenge through the federal courts that opened the door for states across the nation to take a look at regulating sports betting. Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Governor Christie is the first politician we have inducted into the Sports Betting Hall of Fame, but he is there with good reason. Without the political will from the governor’s office it is questionable that PASPA would ever have been challenged in the courts.
“WITHOUT THE POLITICAL WILL FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE IT IS QUESTIONABLE THAT PASPA WOULD EVER HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED IN THE COURTS.”
is a distant memory.” The Sports Betting Hall of Fame was launched in 2016 to recognise the individuals who have significantly contributed to the industry over the course of their careers with a lasting legacy.
“For that bravery, the industry is indebted to Governor Christie and his inclusion in the Hall of Fame is just a small thank you for his support.” Governor Christie commented: “Sports betting was held back for too long by the unfair federal laws, so I was more than happy to be the first to make a stand against them. I’m very proud and gratified to be recognised by the sports betting industry in this year now that PASPA
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honour, preserve and perpetuate the names and outstanding accomplishments of personalities who have added true value to the sports betting sector. Current luminaries include Sportradar Founder Carsten Koerl, Intralot co-founder Constantinos Antonopoulos, the world’s biggest independent bookmaker Fred Done and Bwin co-founder Norbert Teufelberger. •
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