62 Percent of Montville Voters OK Sports Betting

Voters approved a statewide referendum Tuesday by a nearly 2-to-1 margin that will change the state constitution to enable the legalization of gambling on professional and certain college sporting events— first.

The issue was on the minds of some Montville voters when they went to the polls on Tuesday. We heard from residents on both sides of the issue.

Montville resident Domenica Santini, after voting at the Montville First Aid Squad, said she voted against the measure.

"We don't want the young people to get involved with that," she said. "There's enough problems."

After voting at the Senior House, Keith Knauer said he thought it was important to support the change. Knauer, 55, a chemical sales manager, said he supports adults making their own choices, provided they don't hurt others, whether the issue is wagering on sporting events or the legalization of marijuana.

"I am in favor of voting in any law that allows adults freedom of choice and to maintain their personal rights," he said.

In the township, 1,931 voters said "Yes" to 1,146 who said "No," meaning about 62 percent of Montville voters favored the special question.