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Should New Jersey state senator Ray Lesniak (D-Union) be elected Governor, he will undoubtedly become one of the most gambling-friendly state leaders.
Considered a long shot to be elected Governor, Lesniak was among the key sponsors of a bill that legalized online gambling in the Garden State. The sector has met with some success after a lackluster start.
Now his focus: Legalizing sports betting in New Jersey. Efforts to do so have been shot down by the courts but Lesniak still sees other opportunities to make the activity lawful.
When asked his priorities should he be elected the next Governor, Lesniak told John Brennan of the Bergen Record:
"Pursue legal sports betting in Congress if we can't win in court. Expand internet gambling internationally with international live poker tournament finals in AC. Take a shot at convincing the public that a specific North Jersey casino site with a redevelopment plan for Atlantic City will be beneficial to the state by creating jobs, bringing back revenue lost to New York and Pennsylvania and transforming AC to a tourist destination with casinos - rather than just a casino destination.
“Also, support the horse racing industry, racetracks and horse farms with purse supplements."
Lesniak’s odds of becoming Governor improved with the top contenders - Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop – abruptly dropping out of the race.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
