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Assembly & Senate to Move Forward on Internet Gaming

Will Adopt Changes Made Under Governor’s Conditional Veto

(TRENTON) — Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver today announced their intention to adopt the changes made to A2578/S1565 under Governor Christie’s conditional veto as quickly as possible so that Internet gambling can be adopted here in New Jersey.

SWEENEY (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland):
“Internet gaming will be a crucial boost to Atlantic City as we continue our efforts to revitalize the area. The economic benefits to the region will mean additional revenue, additional jobs, and additional growth. It cannot be stressed enough how important it was that New Jersey be ahead of the curve on Internet gaming. I want to thank my colleagues, Senators Lesniak and Whelan, and Assemblymen Burzichelli, Prieto and Ramos for their dedication, commitment and willingness to see this through. I appreciate the governor’s having agreed to allow it to move forward.

“The Senate will move forward to adopt the governor’s conditional veto on February 26th. The sooner we bring Internet gaming to New Jersey, the better off Atlantic City is going to be.”

OLIVER (D-Essex/Passaic):
“We need to keep New Jersey’s gaming industry modern and competitive, and that means allowing carefully regulated Internet gaming. This bill and the proposed changes to it are the best way to accomplish that goal, and I look forward to the Assembly voting on Feb. 26 to move the bill forward and get this done.”

Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland), prime sponsor of the legislation:
“We must position New Jersey’s gaming industry to thrive in the 21st Century, and that involves authorizing a legally sound Internet gaming law such as the one now on the table. This will be another key piece of our effort to boost New Jersey’s gaming industry by expanding and modernizing our wagering options, and I look forward to it becoming law.”

Senator Raymond J. Lesniak (D-Union), prime sponsor of the legislation:
“Internet gaming will provide a lifeline to New Jersey casinos by producing more jobs and additional revenue. It will help casinos recover from the gaming losses that have plagued them in recent years. It could even save some casinos from closing their doors. At the same time, it will contribute to the state’s economic recovery and generate more revenue for state programs for seniors and the disabled.

“I will work to make the recommended changes to the legislation and get it returned to the Governor. The sooner we get Internet gaming in place, the sooner we will begin to see the economic benefits that will come with it.”

Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), bill sponsor:
“The Governor’s recommendations on the Internet gaming legislation are simple changes that can be made to tighten up the bill, while ensuring that we move forward on legislation to bring Atlantic City gaming into the 21st Century. Opening New Jersey gaming up to Internet wagering will provide untold benefits to the state and to the city, which has had to contend with increased out-of-state gaming competition in recent years. While the revenue raised from Internet gaming will provide a boost to Atlantic City, it will also save thousands of jobs for our residents. I appreciate the Senate President working to get this to the floor quickly.”

Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen), bill sponsor:
“New Jersey’s gaming industry must, like just about everything else in today’s economy, offer an Internet option if it’s to remain competitive. This is a carefully crafted plan designed to ensure Internet gaming on casino games is offered the right way and is a much-needed competitive step forward for our casinos that could also raise more revenue to benefit senior and disabled citizens.”

Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D-Hudson), bill sponsor:
“The Internet has long been a reality, and Internet gaming in New Jersey should now be reality too. This bill will thoughtfully position our gaming industry to succeed, and it will mean economic growth and job creation for our state.”