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Burzichelli, Prieto & Ramos Bill to Allow Internet Gaming in N.J. Clears Assembly

(TRENTON) – Revised legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, Vincent Prieto and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. to enable New Jerseyans to wager on Atlantic City casino games via the Internet cleared the Assembly on Tuesday, sending it to the Senate for final legislative approval.
The bill (A-2578) authorizes persons in New Jersey to place wagers on Atlantic City casino games via the Internet. Under the bill, any game that is authorized to be played in a casino could, with the approval of the Division of Gaming Enforcement, be offered through Internet gaming.
People would be allowed to be from out-of-state, as long as it’s consistent with federal law.
The revised bill incorporates changes suggested by the governor in a Feb. 7 conditional veto.
Burzichelli, Prieto and Ramos said the Internet wagering bill would especially help New Jersey’s gaming industry amid increased competition from other states.
“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,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland), the bill’s prime sponsor. “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.”
“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,” said Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “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.”
“The Internet has long been a reality, and Internet gaming in New Jersey should now be reality too,” said Ramos Jr. (D-Hudson). “This bill will thoughtfully position our gaming industry to succeed, and it will mean economic growth and job creation for our state.”
Under the bill, all Internet gaming would be deemed to take place in Atlantic City and all equipment used in Internet gaming would be required to be located in Atlantic City, except that backup equipment and certain other equipment could be located elsewhere.
The changes suggested by the governor:
· Extend existing prohibitions on casino-related employment and representation for state employees and legislators to Internet gaming licensees and their promoters and affiliates;
· Establish a requirement that state elected officials promptly disclose their past and present representations of entities seeking or holding Internet gaming licenses; and
· Enhance the level of funding for compulsive gambling treatment programs and additional financial support for other beneficial purposes for which casino gaming was originally authorized.
· The law will expire after 10 years, giving future leaders the perspective and opportunity to revise and renew Internet gaming as appropriate.