New Jersey Moving Closer To Fall Vote On Regulated Online Gambling

New Jersey is one of the more liberal states in the US when it comes to their gambling laws. Voter enthusiasm for gambling is expected to be tested, however, in the November election when lawmakers hope to have a question on the ballot regarding online gambling.

This past week, Democratic leaders pushed for a summit to discuss gaming in the state. The summit would include representatives from both the state and the gaming industry, both of whom have differing proposals for how to move forward with sports and online gaming.

"Right now, the interests are at each other's throats while their respective industries are dying a slow death," said Senator Raymond Lesniak, as reported by the Press of Atlantic City, "They don't realize, or don't want to realize, they're killing each other. It's time for the Legislature and the governor to adopt a policy based on maximizing revenues from gaming and saving our dying tourist attractions."

Sen. Lesniak is one of the lawmakers that is concerned about revenue figures at Atlantic City casinos over the past couple of years. The casinos have experienced double-digit declines for many months in a row, and the increase if competition from neighboring states has lawmakers worried that the industry may never fully recover.

Sports gambling has been discussed recently after Delaware legislators regulated sports betting in their state. Online gambling is at the forefront of a national debate, and New Jersey is hoping to become the first state to regulate Internet gaming.

Pennsylvania has become a main competitor of New Jersey, with lawmakers in Pennsylvania legalizing table games earlier this year. The table games are expected to be unveiled within the next couple of weeks. Delaware Park has also recently started to offer table games.

In New Jersey, it is estimated that millions of dollars would be added to their tourism industry if sports betting were legalized. Additionally, millions would be made through Internet gambling, although there is a disconnect as to whether the existing casinos would operate the online gambling or whether licenses would be handed out for a large fee.

June 20, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Delaware Park Table Game Gambling Begins With Arrest
Louisiana Gambling License Deadline Set For September
Atlantic City Gambling Not Enough, New Jersey Residents Want More
Pennsylvania Regulators To Be Busy Playing Table Games
Atlantic City Casino Gambling Revenue Drops Again In May