MisterShark
02-17-2011, 08:31 AM
The New Jersey legislature made history in early January, becoming the first state to pass legislation in favor of an in-state internet gambling system. Under the proposed bill, Atlantic City casinos would be able to offer online gambling both internationally and to New Jersey state residents.
In addition to poker, the legislation allows for the offering of games such as blackjack, craps, slots, roulette, baccarat and pai gow. According to a study commissioned by the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (iMEGA), a New Jersey intra-state gambling system could raise up to $250 million in revenue and bring in an additional $55 million in taxes.
All that left to make it official is the signature of Governor Chris Christie, which would make the bill a law. Joe Brennan, chairman of iMEGA stated in January, “We are very close, tantalizingly close right now and I think within the next month, you will likely see New Jersey become the first regulated iGaming market in the U.S.”
Though most industry experts are optimistic that the bill will become law, Brennan was hesitant to lean one way or the other. “Governor Christie has become the subject of an awful lot of speculation within the industry right now. I would suggest that probably 95 percent of the speculation is probably completely off target. We’ve been most active on this and if you asked me today which way Governor Christie would vote, I would honestly have to say I don’t know with certainty.”
Christie has not publicly commented on the bill, but his 45-day deadline is fast approaching. Should he simply choose to ignore the bill, it will automatically be passed into New Jersey law.
link (http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/10739-online-poker-legislative-update) for the article.
Our boy Chris Christie is making a desperate attempt to prop up and save AC's casino industry these days which gives me hope that this indeed will come to pass.
We'll see.
In addition to poker, the legislation allows for the offering of games such as blackjack, craps, slots, roulette, baccarat and pai gow. According to a study commissioned by the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (iMEGA), a New Jersey intra-state gambling system could raise up to $250 million in revenue and bring in an additional $55 million in taxes.
All that left to make it official is the signature of Governor Chris Christie, which would make the bill a law. Joe Brennan, chairman of iMEGA stated in January, “We are very close, tantalizingly close right now and I think within the next month, you will likely see New Jersey become the first regulated iGaming market in the U.S.”
Though most industry experts are optimistic that the bill will become law, Brennan was hesitant to lean one way or the other. “Governor Christie has become the subject of an awful lot of speculation within the industry right now. I would suggest that probably 95 percent of the speculation is probably completely off target. We’ve been most active on this and if you asked me today which way Governor Christie would vote, I would honestly have to say I don’t know with certainty.”
Christie has not publicly commented on the bill, but his 45-day deadline is fast approaching. Should he simply choose to ignore the bill, it will automatically be passed into New Jersey law.
link (http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/10739-online-poker-legislative-update) for the article.
Our boy Chris Christie is making a desperate attempt to prop up and save AC's casino industry these days which gives me hope that this indeed will come to pass.
We'll see.