New Jersey Sen. looks to pass new bill for in state online gambling

With the U.S. Justice Department recently ruling that in-state online gambling is no longer illegal, one lawmaker in New Jersey is urging other state representatives to pass a new bill legalizing the act within the state, The Associated Press reports.

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak told the publication that he is actively drafting a bill and hopes to get it through the legislature and to Gov. Chris Christie by next week at the latest. Lesniak may run into some trouble as Christie has openly voiced his disapproval of online gambling, but he's confident the benefits involved will overrule any moral objections.

"We can be the Silicon Valley of internet gaming," Lesniak, told the news outlet. "It's the wave of the future. It's going to come and we can be in the lead on it."

Nevada is another state trying to get a bill passed in order to take advantage of the ruling, and there is buzz that many others may follow suit.

According to the publication, New Jersey tried to become the first state to approve online gambling last year, however the bill was quickly vetoed by Chrisite.

This time around, the rules and regulations will be more strict, making sure to check each potential player's backgrounds and age to ensure everyone who wants to play is of stable mind and of age, Lesniak told the publication.

Do you think Christie will pass this bill through to improve the state's economy?

Published on 3 January 2012