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As was to be expected, the New Jersey Senate voted in favor of a bill legalizing Internet gambling in the Garden State.
S1565, an act authorizing Internet wagering at Atlantic City casinos under certain circumstances and amending and supplementing the "Casino Control Act", P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.). passed in the Senate almost unanimously, 33-3.
Next stop, Governor Chris Christie’s desk. The odds were looking good that Christie would sign the bill within a 45-day period.
Two years ago, the Governor vetoed a similar bill, however, changes have been made to the reincarnated legislation that is likely to appease Christie. Additionally, New Jersey is reeling from the aftermath of SuperStorm Sandy and is in desperate need of an economic boost. Online gambling is currently a multi-billion dollar industry and New Jersey would likely become one of the primary licensing hubs for the US and quite possibly other nations.
"By allowing casinos to tap into the burgeoning trend of Internet wagering, we can put New Jersey at the forefront of this lucrative gaming market and give our casinos the competitive edge they need in the current economic climate," a sponsor of the bill, Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), said in a statement.
New Jersey is ultimately looking to form multi-state compacts similar to the PowerBall system. The Garden State has also hinted at allowing international player pools from jurisdictions where such activity is legal.
Last week, the world’s largest real money Internet poker company, PokerStars, announced its intention to purchase the famed Atlantic Club Hotel (formerly the Hilton) in Atlantic City, paving way to a possible re-entry of Stars into the US market.
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
