Will Governor Christie Approve the NJ Online Gambling Bill?

February 24, 2011 | News Category: Gaming Law

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There was much excitement in the online gambling world when the online gambling bill for the State of New Jersey was approved, and moved through the legal process particularly quickly. New Jersey is the first US state that has made the move to legalize and regulate intrastate online gambling.

The bill only becomes law in New Jersey after it has been approved by the governor. It was thought that Governor Chris Christie would approve the online gambling bill almost immediately after it was put on his desk. However, the waiting game began, and is not over yet.

If Governor Christie does not veto the bill, and even if he does not approve it, it is still possible for the bill to become part of the law in New Jersey. The way that the New Jersey law operates in this case is that after the waiting period is complete, and if the Governor has not reacted to either confirm or veto the bill, then the bill is automatically accepted as law in the State of New Jersey.

February 24th 2011 is the cut off date for Governor Christie to approve the New Jersey online gambling bill. There has been much speculation as to whether Governor Christie would give the bill approval, or veto it, although there are many that think he may simply leave it, and let it take its course. As explained above, if he takes no action, the bill will simply become part of New Jersey legislation. Should he take this course, it would mean that he has allowed the bill to pass into legislation, without actively doing so. The governor is certainly being pushed and pulled in both directions, but has not yet shown which way he is being swayed.

Ironically, one of the parties that is opposed to the online gambling bill is Caesars Entertainment Corp. Caesars has said that their reason for opposing the New Jersey online gambling bill is that they feel that it is more important that online gambling is legalized on a federal level, and that they therefore would prefer that it is not approved on a state by state basis.

Governor Christie seemed to favor the introduction of legalized online gambling in New Jersey before the bill was created. Atlantic City's casinos are struggling, and online casinos would give them a boost in revenue. It is possible that online gambling in New Jersey could generate around $10 million each month.

It will not be long now before Governor Christie's decision is revealed. Whatever decision he makes, even if it is to make no decision, will certainly have a great impact on online gambling in the United States.