iGaming bill expected to be signed into law within 45 days after historic vote by NJ Legislature
14 January 2011 (London, UK) – The iMEGA-backed Intra-State Internet Gambling bill has finally found its way to the desk of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has up to 45 days to sign it into law.
Governor Christie’s signature would allow New Jersey’s casinos to take bets online and officially become the first state in the US to regulate Internet gambling. Atlantic City casinos would be able to provide online versions of their games to New Jersey’s 8.7 million state residents.
Bearing the co-sponsorship of Senators Ray Lesniak (D) and Joe Kryillos (R), bill S3167 was approved in the New Jersey Senate a majority of 34-2 – the vote in the Assembly was approved by 63-11-3 margin.
iMEGA, the trade industry that represents online gambling released this statement through Chairman, Joe Brennan Jr.
“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, and allow New Jersey’s casinos to thrive in the 21st Century”.
“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.”
Writing in his article, “New Jersey: the Land of (iGaming) Opportunity?”, in iGaming Business magazine, Brennan lays out the reasons why New Jersey would be “the best state in the entire US for establishing a permanent base of operations for existing firms to eventually extend their reach into the next states to permit online games.
“New Jersey, which is the second largest casino market in the US after Nevada, has arguably the toughest regulators in the gaming industry,” he explained. “The value of NJ licensure to an iGaming firm is the regulatory surety it demonstrates not only to players, but also to subsequent state governments that may permit the activity, as well as to the financial markets, which would likely place a higher valuation on NJ-licensed firms.
“New Jersey also has the highest IT infrastructure density of any jurisdiction in the world. This is due to the massive post-9/11 build up of capacity to support the financial centre on Wall Street, creating surpluses of bandwidth, storage and servicing firms.”
New Jersey has trumped California in the race to regulate internet gaming in the United States, experts believe that New Jersey will set a roadmap for a number of other States looking at iGaming legislation to follow.
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. http://www.imega.org
Click here to view The S3167 bill in full: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S3500/3167_I1.PDF
For an exclusive interview with Mr. Joe Brennan Jr and general media inquiries:
Lizzie Phillips
Lyceum Media
lizzie@lyceummedia.com
+44 (0)7879 810 319
+44 (0) 208 123 7184