New Jersey Online Gambling Developments
When Senator Lesniak’s bill S490 allowing for Atlantic City casinos to offer online casino services cleared the Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, it was thought that it would be smooth sailing for the bill. But several roadblocks have appeared that will at least delay, if not scuttle, the online line gambling proposals in New Jersey.
The Casino Association of New Jersey has opposed Lesniak’s bill. The association has written to John Burzichelli, the chairman of the Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee in the Assembly, stating that the licensing and regulation of online gambling in New Jersey should come from the federal government. In its letter the association has called upon Burzichelli to consult the Attorney General. The horse racing operators have also expressed their dissatisfaction at the online gambling bill.
The Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee has decided to take this contentious issue to the people of New Jersey. It has approved a referendum that will ask New Jersey citizens to decide on a number of issues regarding the future of online gambling in the state. Keeping the mood of the legislators in mind Burzichelli has agreed to the idea of a gambling summit in which all interested parties can narrow down their differences ahead of the referendum, which is expected to take place this fall.
Senator Lesniak has also agreed to keep his bill on hold till the summit discussion takes place. He, however, pointed out that the present crisis has arisen because both land casinos and race tracks are losing money and are trying to recover at each other’s expense. He said, “It’s time for the legislature and the governor to adopt a policy based on maximizing revenues from gaming and saving our dying tourist attractions.”
