PR: New Jersey Legislature Passes iMEGA-backed Internet Gambling Bill

[Casinomeister]

New Jersey Legislature Passes iMEGA-backed Internet Gambling Bill


11 January 2011 -The New Jersey legislature has passed the Intranet-State Internet Gambling bill, which will permit casinos in Atlantic City to offer online versions of their games to residents within the borders of the state.

The bill, S490, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Ray Lesniak (D) and Sen. Joe Kryillos (R), was approved in the NJ Senate by a 34-2 vote. The Assembly version of the bill was approved by a 63-11-3 vote.

The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Chris Christie (R) for his signature, which would enable New Jersey to become the first state to regulate Internet gambling.

iMEGA chairman Joe Brennan Jr. released a brief statement in the wake of the successful vote:

“Congratulations to New Jersey’s legislators on their overwhelming vote in favor of the Intra-State Internet Gambling bill. It’s clear that New Jersey’s representatives want their state to be at the forefront of the online gaming industry, both in the US and globally.

“With the combination of the top regulators in gaming, great information technology infrastructure, a highly-educated workforce, and the strong foundation and leadership of the Atlantic City casino industry, New Jersey is certain to lead this industry’s growth in the US, while creating high-paying, skilled jobs in the technology sector and also attracting investment to the state.”

Media Inquiries:

Lizzie Phillips
Lyceum Media

Lizzie@LyceumMedia.com
+44 7879 810 319


Joe Brennan Jr.
iMEGA
US: 703.788.6845
UK: +44 20 8133 4686
joebrennanjr@iMEGA.org



About iMEGA

The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association iMEGA is an association dedicated to the continued growth and innovation of the Internet.

It was founded to foster cooperation between the online gaming industry and government at all levels, and to promote innovation, openness and freedom on the Internet.

[cpdnd31]

OK Brian now that you woke me up!!!! Does this mean I'm moving to Jersey? How long do you think till up and running and how long do you think that other states will jump on board. God knows Illinois will be last- even tho we are broke. Now can this law be challenged on the Federal side? Terrorism Act was put in place on overseas transactions so since not overseas I would think they couldn't stop it. Congrats New Jersey- Looking for property now lol- anyone want to rent a basement out so I can have a Jersey address just pm me ROFL

[butterflyboogie]

Same here....I love the way the people talk there too! Congrats to a state that wants to excel in the world instead os staying stagnated while the world passes on by.

[Casinomeister]

OK Brian now that you woke me up!!!! Does this mean I'm moving to Jersey? How long do you think till up and running and how long do you think that other states will jump on board. God knows Illinois will be last- even tho we are broke. Now can this law be challenged on the Federal side? Terrorism Act was put in place on overseas transactions so since not overseas I would think they couldn't stop it. Congrats New Jersey- Looking for property now lol- anyone want to rent a basement out so I can have a Jersey address just pm me ROFL

I wrote a bit about this after the GIGSE here - see Day Two near the bottom:
http://www.casinomeister.com/newslet...010_GIGSE.html

It's really very good news if the bill has the same wording as it had last Spring. Any casino company can get involved - to include ones overseas. NJ residents should be petitioning 32Red to place a server and support center there

[jetset]

The bill achieved impressively large -and importantly bi-partisan -support in the legislative process, and I think that should give Governor Christie pause for thought if he is (as has been reported) not keen on the Lesniak initiative.

Christie is apparently well thought of in the GOP, with some even suggesting that he could be in line for vice or even presidential grooming. He won't want to alienate his Republican Party seniors in that respect, I would surmise....yet he is faced by a state legislature that clearly wants online gambling under the right conditions.

His other fear may be of upsetting things at federal level, where the DoJ despite all the evidence to the contrary continues to insist that online gambling is in general illegal. This is one confusing area, because the UIGEA appears to respect states' rights on gambling, and it is argued that the archaic Wire Act was intended to combat sportsbetting by telephone.

Will the feds/government risk angering a key state by going to the courts to overturn the state legislature's vote? They did in Arizona on the immigration issue...

These are the governor's options, and he has 45 days to exercise them:

1) Sign the bill into state law

2) Plead inability to do so after taking legal advice - that won't go down too well with his lawmakers, and could lead to more litigation.

3) Refuse to sign it, in which case a two thirds majority in the state legislature will be required to still push the bill through by overturning the governor's veto. Risky, but then the support for the bill might split along party lines and support him.

4) Do nothing - but then when the 45 day deadline has passed it will become law.

Tough place, the governor's desk!

Regarding the content of the bill, there have been amendments in the legislative process, and the way I perceive the reports it favours the licensing of Atlantic City operators and insists that all enabling technology and company presence be in the state/Atlantic City.

I think Lesniak's original intent to open the market to foreign operators was excluded at some stage (I'm open to correction on that).

[Casinomeister]

What you've discussed here just underscores the fact that these elected officials are "public" servants - not servants to the puppet-master. I was impressed with the voting results, and this Governor should be impressed as well.

Sign it!

[jetset]

My own perception - and not only regarding the USA - is that party politics in general rule.

Unfortunately, because that does not always coincide with the wishes of the folks who voted a particular party into power.

[PokingStars]

Ok everyone move to NJ now!