A proposed bill shall be re-examined this week in an effort to legalize Online Gambling in New Jersey, including online Bingo bets. Additional bills set to be scrutinized are requests to allow simulcast betting at the currently inactive “American Dream Meadowlands Entertainment and Shopping Complex”, along with Bingo licensing, and approval to utilize handheld mobile devices to place bets at state racetracks.
Despite diligent efforts made by Senator Ray Lesniak, D-Union to push a bill to legalize online gambling in New Jersey, it hangs in limbo while the Assembly Committee mulls over the proposal. Questions arise as to potentially opposing ambitions when Lesniak expressed apparent exasperation over Governor Christie’s apparent reluctance to expedite the matter. A hearing to be held this week will be a follow up on a hearing held in March when the Senate Committee took the issue under advisement.
Bingo on the Cards But Governor Christie Must Decide
It is no surprise the state budgetary issues take precedence over all else, including any efforts to legalize online gaming in New Jersey. Senator Ray Lesniak, D-Union managed to push a similar bill through a State Senate committee, but has not seen fruition with the Assembly on this one, as there has not yet been a vote on the issue. The Assembly has rather taken the proposal into consideration and is scheduled to meet this week.
Governor Christie will ultimately need to make decisions on the Online Gaming matters, but it may fall before his hand is played. The State Senate and Assembly will need to send him a revised online gaming bill before they take a long summer break in July and August in order for Lesniak’s mission to be accomplished. A Lesniak sponsored-bill to get the $2.4 billion Revel Casino in Atlantic City open produced tax breaks that Governor Christie applauds.
State Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee
It seems that Lesniak and Christie collaborate here and battle there. The State Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee will have the opportunity to make a determination and complete the process this week. The March hearing revealed by a prominent state Constitutional expert that the Legislature does not need voter approval to pass a bill permitting online gambling. While the outcome remains to be seen, if broadly applied, the bill would encompass not just online poker, but online Bingo, roulette, and slots. Online betting supporters may suggest that Governor Christie is dragging his feet on the online gaming issue for political reasons. If Lesniak is successful with this bill, New Jersey gambling enthusiasts may soon experience a variety of betting options.
