Governor Markell Releases Statement on Sports Betting Lawsuit

Gambling News - July 25th, 2009 - Written by Glen

On Friday, papers were served to the Delaware District Court to begin a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit would target the Governor Markell of Delaware, as well as the Lottery Commissioner of the State of Delaware. The suit listed the plaintiffs as the major sporting leagues in the nation, and they were seeking to stop Delaware's sports gambling program before it launched.

Governor Markell's administration gave a reply late Friday, and it is obvious that the administration is displeased with the Leagues' course of action. The statement was listed on Delaware's own website, and gave a solid insight to the case at hand.

“Delaware’s sports lottery will help pay for our core government services like our teachers and police and will also create new jobs in our state. That's our focus,” said Joe Rogalsky, the administration’s communications director. “We asked for and received a Delaware Supreme Court advisory opinion prior to moving forward to ensure we are in compliance with state law. We invited the NFL to sit down and share their concerns. They decided instead to sue.”

The governor had attempted to settle the matter outside of court, but it seems our national pastimes were not willing to compromise. In what seems to be an all or nothing case, we may see Delaware unable to continue with their sports betting program. In today's economy the states need all the dollars they can get, and it is presumed that sports gambling would bring money into Delaware.

Surrounding states have all been increasing their gambling choices within their borders, and Delware will have this unique hook to bring gamblers to their borders. Delaware is amongst the only four states that are allowed to touch the subject of sports betting, due to federal regulations.

The sports leagues argue that Delaware's sports lotto would compromise the honesty of the leagues. Whether or not this is true has yet to be seen, as sports gambling does already exist. The court case is bound to turn some interesting results, as gambling issues are on the forefront of many legislation's all over the nation.