The Dallas Cowboys can proudly say that they are the most popular sports team in the USA and are the best-known NFL team worldwide. It's an exciting time to be a Cowboys fan right now; the season's on its way, and we can look forward to seeing the likes of Amari Cooper, Dak Prescott, Michael Gallup, DeMarcus Lawrence, and, of course, Ezekiel Elliott put it all on the line at AT&T Stadium.
However, if you're a Dallas Cowboys fan living in or around New Jersey, there is yet another reason to get hyped for the 2019 season. Americans outside of Nevada can place sports bets now, with New Jersey having had a year to expand its legal sports betting offering.
Here's everything that you need to know about sports betting in New Jersey and how you can get in on the action this season.
A long time coming
For over eight years, a battle has raged in the courtrooms in an attempt to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. The statute banned all sports betting outside of the state of Nevada and a few other exceptions. The argument from New Jersey was that a federal ban on sports betting was unconstitutional and that each state should regulate and enact its own laws on the matter.
In the end, the Supreme Court decided to rule in favor of New Jersey, deeming the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act to be unconstitutional. On June 11, 2018, New Jersey's governor, Philip D. Murphy, signed a bill to legalize sports betting throughout the state. Shortly after, gambling commenced across New Jersey, with patrons from all over visiting the newly established sportsbooks to place some wagers.
Let the betting commence!
In the beginning, it was a fairly meek offering, with a few shops set up around New Jersey. Now, New Jersey has opened up for sports betting fully and is rife with opportunities to place sports bets. The new laws mean that sports betting can be enjoyed at racetracks and casinos. Online sports betting websites can also be utilized if the owners also operate a land-based venue.
Regarding what betting is permitted, pretty much any sport is allowed to be bet on if the bookmaker offers odds on it. The only exceptions to the rule are collegiate teams and games playing in New Jersey, with betting on all high school sports also being barred.
So, you can bet on all of the major leagues, including the NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, and NBA as well as collegiate sports like the NCAA if the game in question isn't being held in New Jersey. Soccer, eSports, the CFL, MMA, and tennis are also on the menu for avid sports bettors. As for fans of the Cowboys, Dallas is currently sitting at +130 to win the NFC East, +1100 to win the NFC Championship, and +2200 to win Super Bowl LIV.
With sports betting available throughout New Jersey, Dallas Cowboys fans in the know will be able to make the most of the spread, money line, futures, and prop bet odds when the NFL kicks off later this year.
