New Jersey online poker bill clears first hurdle

New Jersey online poker bill clears first hurdle

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Proposed legislation that would see the US state of New Jersey legalise online casino gambling for residents has been passed by the state’s General Assembly and will now go before the senate on Thursday.

Known as Bill A2578, the measure is similar to last year’s S490 proposition vetoed by New Jersey’s Republican governor Chris Christie, was approved by the lower chamber on Monday by a vote of 48 to 24 with four abstentions.


The new proposed legislation would authorise casinos in Atlantic City to offer New Jersey residents a full portfolio of online gambling. People from out-of-state would also be allowed to wager as long as it was consistent with federal law. The bill is now scheduled to go before the Senate for a vote on Thursday.


New Jersey state senator Ray Lesniak declared that the proposal could see Atlantic City's twelve casinos take in at least $100 million each year from online gambling with the state collecting ten percent of the gross revenues in tax.


“We must position New Jersey’s gaming industry to thrive in the 21st Century, and that involves authorizing a legally sound Internet gaming law,” said Assemblyman John Burzichelli, who chairs the appropriations panel. “This is another key piece of our effort to boost New Jersey’s gaming industry by expanding and modernizing our wagering options. This will rejuvenate our tourist industry while increasing employment, capital investment and much needed urban redevelopment.”


“Most everything else has migrated to the Internet and taken advantage of the consumer and revenue options it offers, and New Jersey’s gaming industry should be no different,” added Assemblyman Vincent Prieto. “This is a carefully crafted bill designed to ensure Internet gaming on casino games is offered the right way. It’s a much-needed competitive step forward for our casinos that could also raise more revenue to benefit senior and disabled citizens.”



Tags: USA, regulation, law, New Jersey