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A bill that would legalize Internet gambling in New Jersey passed through the state assembly late Monday evening with 63 in favor and 11 against. The next and final step is to have Governor Chris Christie sign the legislation into law. This could happen any day. Christie has voiced little objection to the bill outside of suggesting it was not a top priority.
But for New Jersey, legalized Internet gambling could bring in significant funding to a state in deep economic straits.
State Senator Raymond Lesniak has championed the bill and hopes for a day when New Jersey becomes the “Silicon Valley of Internet Gambling”.
He claims the new industry would result in potential revenue of $205 million to $472 million and 21,746 to 57,085 jobs.
Legislation I have introduced, S-490, to authorize internet gaming from servers located in Atlantic City needs to get moving now,'' Lesniak said. ‘It will produce more revenue for reinvestment in Atlantic City, much needed revenue for the state, keep our valuable racing industry alive, and create thousands of jobs for our residents.
"Who could possibly be against this?'' Lesniak added. "The casino industry, that's who! Why? Because it's lobbying for federal legislation which will prevent New Jersey from getting any revenues from Internet gaming. What a tragedy it will be if we let them fleece the people of the state of New Jersey and sell out Atlantic City, the Meadowlands, Monmouth Racetrack and our horse farms in the process.''
The legislation, if signed into law, would allow for around 8 million state residents to play poker, casino games and bet on sports from their personal computers and hand held devices.
- Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
