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Law Allowing Sports Betting In N.J. Signed By Gov. Christie

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - New Jersey is moving ahead with plans to permit betting on sports in the state, but legal challenges could stall the rollout.

Gov. Chris Christie on Friday signed a bill passed this week in the Legislature that would partially repeal New Jersey's prohibition on sports wagering.

Christie last month ordered the attorney general to halt enforcement of sports betting laws at the state's racetracks and casinos. No tracks or casinos have started offering it yet.

Professional sports leagues and the NCAA oppose such wagering and are fighting in court to prevent New Jersey's racetracks and casinos from taking sports bets.

Law Allowing Sports Betting In N.J. Signed By Gov. Christie

Dennis Drazin, an adviser to Monmouth Park Racetrack, says the park is planning to begin taking sports bets on Oct. 26, but expects the leagues to seek a court injunction.

Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill-- one of the world's largest bookmakers, put his money with his mouth is and poured millions into turning an old cafeteria at Monmouth Park into a sports bar.

"It's inevitable," he told WCBS 880's Levon Putney. "It's a matter of when, not if."

He said if wagering is legalized, the betting machines in the bar would be turned into a sports book, which he says is more dependable than a bookie.

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