Online Gambling Bill Vetoed by Governor Christie

New Jersey was all set to pass a bill that would make it the first state in the U.S. to legalize and regulate online gambling; however, Governor Chris Christie vetoed the bill recently, suggesting that Legislators for the state may be able to restart the effort by putting the online gambling issue to vote in a referendum. The passing of the bill would mean that residents of New Jersey could bet on Atlantic City casino company-run websites. The passage would also have been a big step forward for the United States and other states hoping to set up their own websites.

Christie stated in the veto message, “In my view, the creation of a legal fiction deeming all wagers to have ‘originated’ in Atlantic City cannot overcome the clear and unambiguous language of the State Constitution.” It is Christie’s belief blurring the lines and expanding gambling in the state would be “contrary to the public’s sentiment” when they voted against statewide gambling, and allowing gambling only within Atlantic City over three decades ago. Christie stated that the bill would not prevent gambling from happening in public places such as bars, cafes and nightclubs.

He was also unhappy with revenue as a result of the bill going to the states struggling horse racing industry. The Governor also said that the process of expanding gambling within New Jersey has been a slow and vigilant one. Recent polls had suggested that 67% of New Jersey residents were opposed to online gambling, leading Christie to suggest the matter be put on a ballot so that the public can decide for itself what it wants.

Advocates for the bill are confident that they can modify the bill and have it ready for the Governor’s signature. Senator Raymond Lesniak stated, “I know we’re going to be able to get it done.” While most are confident the bill will pass, others are concerned that the bill will not be ready before other states get their legislature together. John Amodeo, state assemblyman said, “We need to be in the forefront simply because it’s going to be the wave of the future. If it went nationally and internationally we could make a lot [of money]”.

Others, like Caesars Entertainment Inc., a major force in Atlantic City, are against passing bills state-by-state; rather, they would like to see the United States pass the law as a whole to allow a more easily regulated system and one that would be much more profitable for the company. Caesar’s Senior VP of Communications and Government Relations, Jan Jones stated, “We have always felt that the first focus should be trying to enact federal legislation.”

Casino Research