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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has until next Thursday (February 8) to sign or veto an Internet gambling bill that currently sits on his desk. The measure would legalize Web gaming in a state with nearly 9 million people while making Atlantic City a hub for the activity. The bill’s sponsors hope to eventually expand the industry beyond New Jersey’s borders through multi-state compacts similar to that of the lottery system’s Powerball game.
Bob McDevitt, head of Local 54 of the Unite-HERE union, Atlantic City's largest, was calling on Christie to sign the Internet gambling bill. McDevitt suggests that the extra money Web betting would bring in could result in the survival of one or two Atlantic City casinos currently on the brink of shutting down. Already, the world's largest real money online poker room, PokerStars, has begun pursuing the purchase of the troubled Atlantic Club Casino and plans to bring internationally recognized poker tournaments to the establishment.
On Wednesday evening, it was revealed that Christie was considering a “conditional veto” of the Internet gambling bill that sailed through both the state Assembly and Senate. It was not immediately clear what objections the Governor might have with the current measure.
Speaking on a radio program last week, however, Christie expressed concerns over Web gambling discouraging individuals from visiting Atlantic City since they will essentially have casinos located in the comfort of their own homes.
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
