Ending a more than eight-year odyssey to bring sports betting to New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed a bill on Monday that legalizes wagering, with gambling set to start on Thursday — just in time for the start of the World Cup.
For a law designed to restore some of the glitz and glamour to Atlantic City’s casinos, the governor’s bill signing was the opposite: a signature behind closed doors and a statement emailed to the news media.
“Today, we’re finally making the dream of legalized sports betting a reality for New Jersey,” Mr. Murphy, a Democrat, said in the statement. “It means that our casinos in Atlantic City and our racetracks throughout our state can attract new business and new fans, boosting their own long-term financial prospects. This is the right move for New Jersey and it will strengthen our economy.”