New Jersey governor signs sports betting into law

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Monday signed a bill legalizing sports betting, making New Jersey the second state to allow it.

The measure, passed by the state’s Democratic-led legislature last week, permits casinos and racetracks in the state to begin taking bets.

{mosads}The law goes into effect just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to create their own laws.

Murphy tweeted that the new law would strengthen the economy and was “the right move” for New Jersey. He is expected to place the state’s first bet on Thursday, according to The Associated Press.

Today, we’re finally making the dream of legalized sports betting a reality for New Jersey. This is the right move for our state and will strengthen our economy. pic.twitter.com/Dw3AIXnFGY

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 11, 2018

The Supreme Court decision was a major victory for the state, which had been pushing for sports betting legalization for nearly a decade. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), who became the face of the effort, praised the move as “a great day for the rights of states.”

Delaware became the first state to launch sports betting last week, with Gov. John Carney (D) making the first legal wager.