New Jersey Considers Internet Gambling Bill

Gambling News - January 16th, 2010 - Written By Glen

In 2009, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act had been reviewed for its legitimacy. Some opponents to the bill had argued that it was unconstitutional. A court hearing cast the UIGEA under examination, and a decision was made. As with the ruling over the Civil Rights Act of 1875 in the case Plessy v. Ferguson, the courts had ruled the UIGEA up to the individual states. Considering this fact, it makes sense that New Jersey can legally concoct an Internet gambling bill within their boundaries.

According to the reports, New Jersey Senate Bill 490 is said to introduce New Jersey Online Gambling. This gambling would take the form of poker and be licensed only through the state's casinos. The hub would be located in these casinos, and would only accept members from the state of New Jersey. The reports also state that casino games would be available through these online gateways.

Online casinos and poker rooms already operating have, as of yet, received no competition from state licensed and regulated games. Current offshore online gambling sites would not be treated any differently than they would prior to the passage of this Bill.

Atlantic City has been declining in revenue over the years, and online gambling may be precisely what they need to recover from their slump. Online gambling has been relatively frowned upon over the years, and if New Jersey legislators succeed in their push, other states may follow in suit.