Governor Christie Supports New Jersey Internet Gaming Bill

Yesterday, we reported that New Jersey’s online gaming bill would be delayed until the next legislative session at the request of Governor Chris Christie.  Now, it appears that Christie has given the bill his blessing provided that it stays Atlantic City centric.

Late yesterday evening, Christie spoke about the new igaming bill.  Here are his comments below:

“Well, we’re working hard with Senator Lesniak to try to get it right. Here’s my view on it. I think New Jersey should be in that business. I think we should be a epicenter for that business, but I want to do it right. I do not want to rush and get legislation that either doesn’t pass state constitutional muster, or creates other problems for us. So, I know that [Christie chief of staff] Kevin O’Dowd was working last night with Senator Lesniak on this issue, and I’m hopeful we can get it resolved as quick as possible.

Folks should know I favor it, I want to do it. I vetoed the last bill because I felt that it would open up the opportunity for there to be internet gambling houses all over the State of New Jersey. I don’t think that’s what anybody wants. But, I think being able to have this be an Atlantic City centric thing is something that makes sense to me. And given the Justice Department’s go ahead for people to be able to do it, I think we should go ahead and move on it. But, we have to do it in a responsible way and it should be Atlantic City-centric.”

The veto that Gov. Christie spoke of was of the previous internet gaming bill that made its way though the state legislature and onto his desk.  The Governor had concerns that online gaming would lead to many underground gambling establishments and take away both revenue and jobs from Atlantic City.  Reviving Atlantic City is a big part of Gov. Christie’s agenda.

There is still a chance that voters in the state will have to give their say on this bill.  The state Constitution may require that the matter be put to a vote from New Jersey citizens before it can be passed.  State Senator and bill author Ray Lesniak feels that the bill can be passed without the need of a state Constitutional amendment.

For now, the New Jersey igaming bill will have to wait until the next session starts next week to reintroduce the bill.  At that point, legal issues will have to be worked out.  From here, it is not a matter of whether New Jersey will legalize online gaming but rather when it will happen.