Competition needed in N.J. online wagering

This is a copy of a letter that was sent to Gov. Chris Christie. I am writing about the sorry state of online horse race wagering in New Jersey. There are literally dozens of legal websites based in the United States — but not in New Jersey — where race fans from all over the country can place bets.

In most states they can do so across state lines. Someone living in Maryland, for example, can have a legal account with a legal wagering site virtually anywhere else . ewN Jersey residents are being denied this opportunity by laws that create a monopoly for New Jersey Account Wagering LLC, which operates over the phone and online at www.4njbets.com. Put simply, when I am at home in New Jersey, I can’t legally bet anywhere but through this monopoly’s website or phone service.

When I am out of state, I can’t bet via www.4njbets.com because the state law restricts wagers on horse racing from any location outside New Jersey, even by a New Jersey resident. Worse yet, none of the legal sites in other states will accept an account from a resident of New Jersey because of New Jersey’s restrictive law.

Bear in mind that I am only talking about horse race wagering. This has nothing to do with state and/or federal restrictions on interstate sports and other forms of gambling.

The bottom line is that I must bet with one and only one company when I am in New Jersey. And because of the protective law that creates the monopoly, I can’t bet online anywhere else when I am out of state. At its core, this whole scheme is just plain stupid. The only beneficiary is the New Jersey Account Wagering LLC, who profits from the restriction.

As with any monopoly, they have no incentive to improve an inferior online interface. Worse yet, because they face no competition, they offer absolutely no incentives to their customers similar to what is available on sites based in other states that must actually compete for business.

If this protective and restrictive law did not exist, 4NJBets.com would have to compete by improving their website and offering more benefits to the public. If they did a good job, they might be able to attract customers from other states who would open an account and do business here. This would be the essence of a free market and competition.

New Jersey race fans would enjoy the benefits and the freedom to take their business to the wagering sites that best meet their needs. The horse owners would still get their share of the handle regardless because wagers from all across the country go to the common pool at the track where a race is run.

I urge you to look into this and take corrective action. In a time where it is popular for politicians to celebrate the virtues of freedom, the free market and competition, New Jersey’s elected officials have an opportunity to back their lofty words with actions by removing this monopoly.

RobertW. Ryley

Jackson