High court hints it could side with state on sports betting

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a case being closely watched by states interested in allowing betting on sports, the Supreme Court indicated a willingness Monday to side with New Jersey's effort to permit sports gambling.

The justices heard arguments in a case where New Jersey is challenging a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states. If the justices strike down the law, 32 states would likely offer sports betting within five years, according to a report by a California research firm.

Courts, citing the federal law, have blocked New Jersey's repeated attempts to allow sports betting at its racetracks and casinos. Republican Gov.