New Jersey Legislature Passes iMEGA-backed Internet Gambling Bill

New Jersey Legislature Passes iMEGA-backed Internet Gambling Bill

11 January 2011 -The New Jersey legislature has passed the Intranet-State Internet Gambling bill, which will permit casinos in Atlantic City to offer online versions of their games to residents within the borders of the state.

The bill, S490, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Ray Lesniak (D) and Sen. Joe Kryillos (R), was approved in the NJ Senate by a 34-2 vote. The Assembly version of the bill was approved by a 63-11-3 vote.

The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Chris Christie (R) for his signature, which would enable New Jersey to become the first state to regulate Internet gambling.

iMEGA chairman Joe Brennan Jr. released a brief statement in the wake of the successful vote:

“Congratulations to New Jersey’s legislators on their overwhelming vote in favor of the Intra-State Internet Gambling bill. It’s clear that New Jersey’s representatives want their state to be at the forefront of the online gaming industry, both in the US and globally.

“With the combination of the top regulators in gaming, great information technology infrastructure, a highly-educated workforce, and the strong foundation and leadership of the Atlantic City casino industry, New Jersey is certain to lead this industry’s growth in the US, while creating high-paying, skilled jobs in the technology sector and also attracting investment to the state.”

Media Inquiries:

Lizzie Phillips
Lyceum Media

Lizzie@LyceumMedia.com
+44 7879 810 319


Joe Brennan Jr.
iMEGA
US: 703.788.6845
UK: +44 20 8133 4686
joebrennanjr@iMEGA.org



About iMEGA

The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association iMEGA is an association dedicated to the continued growth and innovation of the Internet.

It was founded to foster cooperation between the online gaming industry and government at all levels, and to promote innovation, openness and freedom on the Internet.
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Thanks for the info august! That is very encouraging. Especially for the casinos in Atlantic City for the bill too. I wonder if there is going to be restrictions to only NJ generated sites?

State by state it is gonna happen. It is just a matter of time. And us Americans going to be like a kid in a candy store!

Lips

Amen to that Lips...

OK, now this I can see spreading as states eagerly drool over the money that possibly could be flowing in soon to their coffers. Obviously, this will either close the door on offshore operations, or force them to try and buy their way into the USA....Very interesting in any case.

Sooooooooooooooooo, I guess a bunch of us are now going to move to New Jersey.  I guess we can all share a place to live and get a bunch of internet hookups for it.  God knows we wouldnt be able to share internet time in a non violent way, lol. 

ok now maybe THIS makes me want to move back home to Jersey! 

That is SWEET! I think we need this Christie guy in North Carolina, our lovely gov had to stick her nose into the internet cafes we have here.They gave me a little change of pace. Once in awhile. But she turned them into a strange kind of lotto card system or something. I wish Jersey was closer the 10 hour drive is killer. Oh Well I can wish.