Lt. Gov. Who Played Key Role in US Sports Betting Legislation Efforts Dies

Described as a pioneering public servant, New Jersey Lt Gov Sheila Oliver passed away on Tuesday.

Joe Brennan, Jr., the former director at iMEGA – Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association, described Oliver as a powerful ally in helping to make legal sports wagering in the US a reality.  Brennan Jr. tweeted:

"Ms. Oliver was Speaker of the NJ Assembly during crunchtime for our sports betting & online gaming legislation. A regal presence in the statehouse that never got the accolades due, but that was because it was just another win for her, then on to the next big challenge. R.I.P."

Ms. Oliver was Speaker of the NJ Assembly during crunchtime for our sports betting & online gaming legislation. A regal presence in the statehouse that never got the accolades due, but that was because it was just another win for her, then on to the next big challenge. R.I.P.

— Joe Brennan Jr (@joebrennanjr) August 1, 2023

Oliver was the first Black woman to serve as the state’s Assembly speaker and then the first in state history to be elected to statewide office.

“It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey. She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero,” the Oliver family said in a statement released by Gov. Phil Murphy.

The Essex County Democrat was 71.  The cause of death has not yet been announced.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com