New Jersey online gambling bills get mixed results

The state’s General Assembly’s Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee however, delayed a decision on a similar measure due to concerns over whether a state-wide referendum would be needed.

The New Jersey Legislature passed similar bills last year that would have legalised online gaming but Governor Chris Christie subsequently vetoed the measures in March citing ‘legal and constitutional concerns’.

NorthJersey.com reported that Assemblyman John Burzichelli, Vice-Chairman for the Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee, stated that his panel was going along ‘two tracks’ depending on whether a referendum is to be held and will meet again next week to hear from an expert on the state’s constitution.

The Senate body approved its measure despite rumors that the horseracing industry might sue if the New Jersey Legislature passed the current version of the Internet gaming bill.

A spokesperson for new Meadowlands Racetrack operator, Jeff Gural, said he was opposed to the proposed measure and suggested that the state could permit electronic gaming at its racetrack parlors in order to attract more visitors if online gaming is legalised.

William Pascrell III from the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (IMEGA) also testified at the hearing, saying that up to 2,500, mostly white collar, jobs could be created should online poker be legalised in the Garden State this year.