The Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, has surprised many by vetoing the state's Internet Gambling Bill, citing concerns about online gambling services being permitted outside Atlantic City.
Under the terms of the bill, igaming would not necessarily be prohibited in bars and internet cafes beyond the state’s land-based gambling hub.
"While I support the intentions of the legislature to make New Jersey a more competitive gaming jurisdiction, I am concerned that nothing in the legislation would prohibit commercial establishments outside of Atlantic City, such as night clubs, cafes and bars, from offering internet gambling."
Current regulation does not permit gambling of any kind outside of Atlantic City and any expansion of gaming would require the backing of New Jersey voters.
"If the legislature believes that expanding gambling outside of Atlantic City is in the best interests of the state of New Jersey, it should place the question on the ballot for the voters to decide," the Governor said.
Responding to Christie’s decision, State Senator Raymond Lesniak said this did not mean he was unwilling to work with lawmakers to ensure internet gaming comes to the state.
"While the Governor expressed concern with some aspects of the bill today, he’s committed to the general idea that we have to expand gaming product in order to bring our gaming industry back from the brink of fiscal insolvency," he said. "I’m encouraged that he’s expressed an interest to work together to maintain the core idea behind internet wagering while making sure that such operations cannot be hijacked by unscrupulous operators."
Christie’s veto means the bill will now be redrafted and submitted to the state Assembly and Senate specifically for inclusion for referendum.
