New Jersey First to Regulate Online Gambling

The signature of Governor Chris Christie is all that remains now for New Jersey to become the first state in United States to regulate online gambling.

The Intra-State Internet Gambling bill passed both houses of the legislature last week, paving the way for New Jersey casinos to accept bets online.

Under the law, Atlantic City casinos would be able to provide online version of their games to the state's almost 9 million residents. According to the legislation, those offerings could include poker, blackjack, craps, slots, roulette, baccarat and more.

Bill S3167 passed the Senate with a majority of 34-2 after enjoying bipartisan sponsorship from Democrat Ray Lesniak and Republican Joe Kryillos. Earlier it had passed the lower house Assembly by a 63-11 margin. Christie now has 45 days to sign the bill into law, or it will become law automatically at the end of that period.

A report published by the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, the trade industry that represents internet gambling, estimated that the New Jersey laws could raise up to $250 million in revenue and bring up to $55 million in taxes to state coffers.

With California and other states now looking at similar legislation, this latest development in New Jersey may just be the push the online gambling industry needed in the USA.