With New Jersey hoping to offer online gambling by the end of 2012, there are many roadblocks that must be cleared along the way.
Most recently, the state’s General Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committed voted to allow Atlantic City casinos to vote on whether they would be interested in getting involved with online gambling.
Last month, Senate Bill 1565 passed through the New Jersey Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee.
In 2011, a similar measure was approved but later vetoed by Governor Chris Christie. For things to be different this time around and for casinos to be able to accept wagers from outside the state, it must be determined by the Division of Gaming Enforcement that federal law will not be violated.
At this time, it appears that there is still some level of divide between the multiple parties involved with making this very important decision.
For example, John Burzichelli, a democrat in the New Jersey General Assembly, was quoted as saying:
“Nothing can happen outside our state borders unless the federal government acts and that’s not likely anytime soon”
Robert Griffin, CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts, added the following:
“Currently millions of Americans engage in online gaming with illegal offshore operators with no oversight, no regulation and no consumer protection. The state should regulate this activity, enforce strict standards to ensure the games are fair and collect revenues rather than allow profits and jobs to illegally go overseas.”
The horseracing industry in the state is opposed to this move, unless they can be included in the legislation. Along with this, there is a lot of pressure from anti-gambling organizations throughout the state.
At this time, no full vote has been scheduled before the New Jersey General Assembly or Senate.