New Jersey To Vote On Internet Gambling December 17th

The state of New Jersey is gearing up to vote on internet gambling on December 17th after State Senator Ray Lesniak was able to get his legislation put onto the schedule.

The bill would allow for land casinos in Atlantic City to provide internet casino and poker games to residents of the Garden State. The bill is on an expedited course and could be moved through the Senate in a few days after it passes the house Assembly.

Although the bill faces an unsure fate with Governor Chris Christie, Lesniak feels that the Governor's stance has mellowed due to:

• Tough economic times for Atlantic City land casinos, recently exacerbated by falling visitor rates in the wake of super storm Sandy;

• Christie's more positive attitude toward sports betting in New Jersey and preparedness to challenge the big sports leagues and federal government on the PASPA;

• Amendments to the bill to make it more palatable to the governor, including removing language that could have provided the state’s racetracks with up to $30 million in purse subsidies, and adding clauses that would prevent “internet cafes” from advertising to attract online gamers.