Judge Halts New Jersey's Sports Betting Plan

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A federal judge has granted a request from the four major U.S. professional sports leagues and the NCAA to at least temporarily stop New Jersey from allowing legalized sports betting.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp issued a temporary restraining order Friday after a request by the NFL, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Baseball and the NCAA.

Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed a law on Oct. 17 that effectively repeals the state's ban on sports wagering.

Monmouth Park racetrack had said it planned to accept bets starting Sunday. No other racetracks or casinos have revealed plans to offer sports betting.

The leagues told the judge they will be irreparably harmed if the state's casinos and racetracks were permitted to allow sports betting.

(Story by: David Porter, The Associated Press)