New Jersey Governor Changes Mind on Pursuing Online Poker

January 6th, 2012 by | No Comments

Last March, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey was adamantly opposed to the legalization of intrastate gambling in his state. However, after vetoing a bill that would support online poker, he has apparently changed his mind this past week.

Discussions among New Jersey senators regarding the regulation of online gambling are becoming intense. A bill was due to arrive on Christie’s desk on Thursday and be voted on next week. That bill was delayed and won’t be voted on for next week.

Lawmakers were stunned when Christie announced that he would support the legalization of online poker. Christie said he is working closely with Senator Ray Lesniak to ensure the bill fits the needs of all stakeholders. Lesniak said that he intends to reintroduce the online poker bill to the senate in the near future. He believes the other senators will be more willing to support the bill once he informs his colleagues that Christie is on board.

Lesniak believes that they will be able to get a bill compiled and signed by the governor in the first few weeks of the new session. Lesniak concurs with Christie’s position that online gambling will have a positive impact on the state of New Jersey. He told reporters that it will revolutionize the state’s gaming industry and in turn help stimulate the new economy.

Lesniak said that the state will be able to bring in new tax revenue, create jobs and encourage the development of new technology. As the state struggles to get back on its feet, online poker may help turn things around. However, Lesniak agrees with Christie’s opinion that online gambling is an incredibly difficult process to get right.

The bill that Lesniak is about to vote on is similar to the bill that Christie already vetoed. This version has been improved to protect the interests of the public. The bill has revisions that provide penalties for anyone engaging in online gambling operations outside of Atlantic City. Under the new bill, many large gambling and entertainment companies would be eligible to apply for gambling licenses in New Jersey.