New Jersey Poker Bill 2010

Although casinos in California are generally supporting a state bill that would legalize online poker in the state, gaming officials in New Jersey don’t see things quite the same way.

The New Jersey Casino Association opposes the efforts to legalize online poker and gaming casinos  and is arguing that a state law creating an intrastate poker network would violate federation regulations that prohibit internet gambling.

The NJCA represents the state’s 11 casinos; the group has officially stated that it opposed introducing the legislation for a vote. Supporters argue that there are provisions in the federal law that allow for states to introduce online gambling without violating the law. Operating legal online casinos or poker rooms could bring millions of dollars to the cash-strapped state.

But Joe Corbo, president of the NJCA recently wrote, “As the industry seeks to work with government to revitalize the economic engine that the Atlantic City casinos bring to the state of New Jersey, the last thing that the state needs at this time is to undermine the destination resort model by expanding gambling to other parts of the state.”

While those who support the bill generally understand the fear that the best online casinos will take people from the brick and mortar gaming rooms and into the online world, the reality is that about a half million people in New Jersey already play online. Passage of the bill would result in about 1,500 jobs and about $200 million annually.