Will Online Gambling Come to New Jersey?

January 08, 2012 | News Category: Gaming Law

0 Comments

In 2011, there were attempts in New Jersey to regulate and legalize online gambling. Although the attempt was almost successful, it was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie. The big question now, in 2012, is whether the state that is home to the well known Atlantic City casinos, is ready to legalize online gambling or not.

Fortunately for the online gamblers who live in New Jersey, it looks as if online gambling will in fact be legalized for New Jersey state residents in the near future. It seems that the delays that have occurred up until now have been because Governor Christie wants to ensure that it is done right and that there will not be problems down the road because of hastily made decisions.

Governor Christie had the following to say on the issue: "I think New Jersey should be in that (Internet gambling) business. I think we should be an 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."

Since the United States Department of Justice issued a statement expressing a new point of view regarding the Wire Act, it will make it easier for individual states to legalize and regulate online gambling. The Department of Justice has stated that the Wire Act of 1961 only affects online sports betting, and not other forms of online gambling. This means that online gambling in and of itself is not considered a federal crime anymore. There are still issues regarding the legality of online gambling transactions because of the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act).

Senator Ray Lesniak has been one of the driving forces in the New Jersey legislature in support of online gambling in the state. He had the following to say: "I expect that we can get it through the Legislature and signed by the Governor within the first few weeks of the new session. There are competing opinions on that within the administration and within the industry, but I am convinced that we can move forward and get it up and rolling without amending the constitution."

There are various restrictions that will be in place when online gambling is legalized in New Jersey:

- Players need to be at least 21 years of age.
- Only New Jersey residents are eligible to play.
- A portion of revenues will go to the horse racing industry.
- There will be advertising restrictions.
- Card games will not be offered online, only in land-based Atlantic City casinos.