“We applaud the New Jersey legislature for adopting legislation to regulate and control Internet gambling activity, creating a common-sense framework for protecting consumers, creating jobs and stimulating the state’s economy,” Michael Waxman, executive director of the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative, stated in a news release yesterday.
“This vote is a positive step by creating a licensed and regulated online gambling environment with appropriate consumer protections for New Jersey residents – a much better approach than the failed attempts led by the federal government to prohibit the activity. New Jersey will also be poised to capture new, much-needed revenue from the activity.
“While it is encouraging to have a common-sense effort to regulate Internet gambling activity emanating from New Jersey, one of the leading land-based regulatory jurisdictions in the world, an all encompassing federal regime is the optimum solution for controlling the activity and protecting every American.
“Once the bill becomes law, New Jersey will be at the forefront of efforts to regulate Internet gambling activity in the U.S. and will be setting an example for how regulation can work. We hope other elected leaders at the federal and state levels take notice and follow suit.”
For its part, iMEGA had supported the bill long before its recent success.
“Congratulations to New Jersey’s legislators on their overwhelming vote in favor of the Intra-State Internet Gambling bill,” Chairman, Joe Brennan Jr. said in today’s news release.
“With the combination of the top regulators in gaming, great information technology infrastructure, a highly-educated workforce, and the strong foundation and leadership of the Atlantic City casino industry, New Jersey is certain to lead this industry’s growth in the US, while creating high-paying, skilled jobs in the technology sector and also attracting investment to the state.”