The state Assembly vote wasn?t quite as lopsided as last time, but the 2 to 1 margin in favor of a revised online gaming bill bodes well for backers as it heads to the state Senate on Thursday.
Still, it?s unclear whether the bill has been amended enough to satisfy Governor Christie, who vetoed similar legislation last year after the Assembly had approved it, 63-11:
One particular note from the press release, about who could play these games anywhere in New Jersey: ?People would be allowed to be from out-of-state, as long as it?s consistent with federal law.?
also from the release:
?We must position New Jersey?s gaming industry to thrive in the 21st Century, and that involves authorizing a legally sound Internet gaming law,? said Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland), who chairs the appropriations panel. ?This is another key piece of our effort to boost New Jersey?s gaming industry by expanding and modernizing our wagering options. This will rejuvenate our tourist industry while increasing employment, capital investment and much needed urban redevelopment.?
?Most everything else has migrated to the Internet and taken advantage of the consumer and revenue options it offers, and New Jersey?s gaming industry should be no different,? said Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). ?This is a carefully crafted bill designed to ensure Internet gaming on casino games is offered the right way. It?s a much-needed competitive step forward for our casinos that could also raise more revenue to benefit senior and disabled citizens.?
?The Internet has long been a reality, and Internet gaming in New Jersey should now be reality too,? said Assemblyman Ruben Ramos (D-Hudson). ?We have to move aggressively and thoughtfully to position our gaming industry to succeed, and this is another step toward that goal. It will mean economic growth and job creation for our state.?
Under the bill, all Internet gaming would be deemed to take place in Atlantic City and all equipment used in Internet gaming would be required to be located in Atlantic City, except that backup equipment and certain other equipment could be located elsewhere.
In addition, the bill prescribes the permit fees and tax rates applicable to Internet gaming, provides for contributions to compulsive gambling programs, regulates the process for the placing of Internet wagers, provides penalties for violations and provides that promotional gaming credits will include wagers placed through an Internet gaming system.
The bill will now be referred to the Senate for consideration.?
Another bill that revises how casino license fees are calculated passed by a 70-6 vote.
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