Sports betting ballot questions could be a problem for New Jersey to legalize betting on intrastate colleges and college sporting events tomorrow as voters go to the polls tomorrow for the 2022 general election .
A Farleigh Dickinson University (FDU) poll released on Friday, Oct. 29, found 41% of respondents opposed the ballot question legalizing sports betting in the state’s colleges, compared with 39% of respondents. % indicated yes to the question.
The FDU poll included 823 respondents.
In-state college sports betting on the line
New Jersey has offered sports betting since 2018, but betting on college programs within the state has always been prohibited. State legislators approved referendum questions for the November 2021 General Election ballot, amending the Constitution to allow “certain sanctioned college tournaments, playoffs, championships, or Allow sports betting through casinos and current or former racetracks at other post-season sports events.
“This poll question is not well publicized and many people either miss it or skip it,” said Dan Cassino, a professor of government and political science at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the poll’s executive director. , at the release. “It’s much closer than it used to be, and there are a lot of voters who aren’t going to make a decision until they’re in the ballot box.”
Better than July poll
However, an FDU poll in July showed a significant improvement, with only 25% of respondents approving the sports betting question.
Here’s the voting summary for the public question:
“Currently, the State Constitution prohibits betting on college sports or sporting events taking place in New Jersey. It also prohibits betting on events involving teams from the University of New Jersey. , the state legislature will be able to pass laws allowing betting on college sports and sporting events, even if the University of New Jersey team participates in the competition. Only permitted through casinos and current or former racetracks.”
If approved by voters, a constitutional amendment would allow state legislatures to pass laws allowing betting on college sports or athletic events. Bets are allowed even if the University of New Jersey team participates in the competition.
Voting is open in Garden State on Tuesday, November 2nd from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.