New Jersey is about to legalize online casinos

Posted under Casino News, US casino news by Online Casino Keeper

The split between U.S. states owning to online gambling problems becomes more and more evident after UIGEA acceptance in 2006. If at first states just spoke openly about their attitude towards the law, then now real actions are set doing. At the very beginning of all that mess with US online casinos some states were fiercely for the act to be passed (Washington, for example), while the others did their best to prevent it from happening (like New Jersey casino representatives). The same is true for today situation.

So, while Kentucky Governor is fighting with online casino operators by seizing their domain names and taking matters to the courts, New Jersey is doing everything in its power to legalize online casinos at the territory of the state. The bill S 490 was introduced to the Senate in January 2010 and it’s sponsored by Senator Ray Lesniak. The main objective of the bill is to bring online gambling to New Jersey by allowing Atlantic City land-based casinos establish virtual versions of such games, as poker, blackjack and baccarat at the territory of the state and outside the USA.

Today New Jersey have really good chances to become the first state in the USA with legal online gambling. Such conclusions can be drawn due to the fact that quite recently the bill S 490 was cleared by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee by a vote of 10 for and 1 against. The bill was passed as a part of other bills aimed at propping up horse racing and land-based casino industry. The next step for the bill is a full Senate hearing, which may take place until the end of the year.

It was a real success for US online casinos, and, perhaps, the first step towards full legalization of virtual gambling around the country. Mr. Lesniak told the Cape May County Herald, “The revenues generated and jobs created are now going offshore to international gaming operators. S 490 will redirect those revenues to our casinos in Atlantic City and, under S 11, to build a bridge to self-sufficiency for our horse racing industry and help save its 13,000 jobs and $1 billion of revenues generated in New Jersey.”

Senator Lesniak’s bill S 490 is also actively supported by The Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (iMEGA). This powerful organization is lobbying for its support by providing the facts, that online gambling in New Jersey may bring up to $250 million revenue plus $55 million in taxis and fees annually.

Another support came from Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee lobbyist William Pascrell III, who said that it will also positively influence horse racing and Atlantic City casinos industry. He went on saying, “New Jersey could become a global Mecca for Internet gaming.”