Take Two On New Jersey Online Gambling As Lesniak Introduces Bill

State Senator Raymond Lesniak has already sparred with Governor Chris Christie regarding online gambling in New Jersey. The senator was successful in pushing an Internet gambling bill through the legislature earlier this year, but the bill was vetoed by Christie.

On Thursday, Lesniak geared up for another round in the ring with the governor. Lesniak reintroduced online gambling legislation, this time with some changes that addressed Christie's concerns the first time around. It is not yet known whether the governor will support the bill in round two.

Lesniak has long been a proponent of online gambling regulations in New Jersey. The senator has maintained that Internet gambling regulations would not conflict with federal laws regarding the issue. Christie did not see things that way when he vetoed the bill.

Lesniak's main selling point with the new bill is the ailing horse racing industry in New Jersey. The state's racing industry has dried up quickly in the past year, and the online gambling revenue could go a long way in helping the industry survive after the economic recession of 2008. Lesniak is hoping Christie now understands the importance of Internet gambling in relation to the future of the racing industry.

"I'm hoping that the governor will realize what is happening to the (horse racing) industry by him not supporting any subsidies online gaming can provide," said Lesniak. "I'm hoping the governor will reassess his position, and that Republican representatives from that area will help him change his mind. I think the opportunity is here to get together and change his view."

Lesniak is hoping that he can push the legislation through before the end of the year. Whether Christie changes his mind on the issue is a craps shoot at this point. Republicans at the federal level that persuaded Christie against the online gambling bill at the start of the year, have since softened their stance.

Atlantic City casinos may soon need the online gambling more than ever. It is expected later today that casino executives will decide to shut down the AC gaming industry this weekend in preparation of Hurricane Irene. If the casinos close, it would only be the third time in the history of the industry that the entire industry shut down in the city.

August 26, 2011
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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