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Will Online Poker Be Next for NJ?

Posted on November 9th, 2010

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With hordes of residents playing poker in the internet (unofficial claim close to a half-million), supporters of online poker in New Jersey say that a bill that would legalize the practice might as well be approved. Should the bill progress and get the governor and the state legislature’s approval, then New Jersey may just be the USA’s first state to explicitly legalize such online betting practice. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Union), a known supporter of gambling and is responsible for committing risky moves such as openly campaigning for Donald Trump to convert a horse racing facility into a casino. In his new bill, poker, baccarat, and other classic casino games would be allowed to be played by residents of New Jersey while they are in the state’s borders. According to the bill, the state will be collecting 20 percent of the yearly annual gross gaming revenues of gambling sites. That would be more than double of what Atlantic City casinos take.

A lobbyist for the online poker bill, William Pascrell III, claimed that the state is currently in a “perfect storm,” which is an economic recession that is occurring with the struggle of both horse racing and casino industries in the state. According to Pascrell, these three issues may be addressed by allowing online casino gambling in the state. He suggested that part of the online casino’s proceeds be funneled to horse racing subsidy, a portion to the state treasury and another portion to strengthening the casino industry. The online poker betting bill, along with six other bills that are connected to the horse racing and casino industries will be discussed by a committee of the state Senate for review. It is expected that the senate will be voting on most or all of the bills before the year closes. Pascrell claims that immediate, direct jobs by the thousand will be made available should online gambling be legalized. Figures from 4,000 to 5,000 jobs have been given. Pascrell also stated that Costa Rica, one of the first countries that approved online gambling, has given in residents tens of thousands of employment opportunities.

Lesniak has said that the 20 percent share of the yearly gross gaming revenues of the state could amount to $50 million at the minimum. According to the senator, the amount should be more than enough to give a full subsidy to horse racing purses at the racetracks all around the state. On the other hand, Pascrell said that should internet gambling be welcomed in New Jersey, the state could become the global center for Internet gaming. He adds that issues with regulation and licensing could be ironed out after nine months the latest after the bill becomes law. Pascrell pointed out that New Jersey has already been attempting to attract firms from all around the country to construct data centers in their state as a security initiative after September 11. Towns such as Totowa, North Bergen and Mahwah have been pushed as the most lucrative sites of these data centers. He questions why the stat cannot do the same thing with online gaming. Governor Christie has not given support to Lesniak’s efforts to overturn a law outlawing sports betting in 46 states. The law has been in place since 1992. Jon F. Hanson, a top adviser to the governor claimed that he agrees with the governor’s non-support for the sport gambling law repeal. As for online gambling, he remarked, “Further legal analysis is needed to evaluate whether in-state Internet gaming, operating with a hub in Atlantic City, is feasible at this time.”

The casino industry, or at least those who own “brick-and-mortar” facilities, have always been in opposition to online gambling. The Casino Industry Association of New Jersey had been opposed to another online poker bill when it was discussed in a senate committee last June. A compromise has been allegedly considered by the American Gaming Association. Since it is apparent that the federal government will not take action to regulate online gambling, the AGA may have to deal with officials of the state regarding the matter. State Sen. Paul Sarlo, (D-Wood-Ridge), an online casino supporter, said, “I’m very confident that the package we’ve put forward will pass, and that it will go to the governor’s desk.”