Here?s a roundup of statements from various interested parties on Tuesday?s passage of the internet gambling bill in Trenton.
The most pointed comments, I think were by Governor Christie (on his reluctance) and by state Senate President Stephen Sweeney (Division of Gaming Enforcement in his crosshairs).
First up, Governor Christie:
?I am pleased to say that today I signed New Jersey?s Internet Gaming Bill, opening the way for new opportunity to bolster our efforts to continue the revival of Atlantic City, its casinos and entertainment offerings. This was a critical decision, and one that I did not make lightly. But with the proper regulatory framework and safeguards that I insisted on including in the bill, I am confident that we are offering a responsible yet exciting option that will make Atlantic City more competitive while also bringing financial benefits to New Jersey as a whole. I want to thank the sponsors for working quickly to include my recommendations to improve the bill.?
Then Senator Sweeney:
?I want to thank Senators Lesniak and Whelan for their tireless advocacy on Internet gaming. Their work will ensure that New Jersey remains ahead of the curve on this issue. It will also help bring jobs to a state that has seen decades? high unemployment and stagnant economic growth.
The Senate President also expressed hope, in light of recent events, that the Attorney General?s office will maintain vigilant supervision over the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), who is given vast authority under the legislation to license and regulate Internet gaming. Senate President Sweeney had requested for months that the DGE maintain close watch over a variety of issues at Revel in Atlantic City. Those requests were largely ignored. Revel filed for bankruptcy last week.
?New Jersey must maintain its excellent reputation as one of the most stringent regulators of gaming activities in the world,? added Sweeney. ?In light of what has occurred with Revel and the DGE?s blatant mishandling of that entire situation, it is my hope that the Attorney General?s office will keep a watchful eye over this process. The people of New Jersey are counting on them to adequately oversee the implementation of this new law.?
Matthew Levinson, chairman of the Casino Control Commission:
?Today the Legislature passed and the Governor signed a bill that lets Atlantic City?s casinos offer gambling over the internet. This is another example of Gov. Christie?s commitment to the growth and development of Atlantic City and its gaming industry. In addition, the Legislature?s quick action to incorporate the Governor?s suggested changes in the bill demonstrates that it also supports the effort to broaden Atlantic City?s appeal.
?Internet gambling holds the potential to provide a boost to the city?s casino operators as they rebound from the effects of the economy and increased competition, while adding another dimension to efforts to reinvigorate the City. In addition, it places New Jersey in the forefront of developing the regulatory model for on-line wagering.?
John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance:
?New Jersey has gone ?all in.? Residents now will have access to a safe and regulated online gaming market, and the state will have a new source for revenue and job creation ? something the federal government has failed to do thus far. The U.S. represents the largest percentage of Internet poker players worldwide, so there is clearly a want and a need for a legal and regulated online gambling market. New Jersey will now serve as a leader in this thriving industry.?
New Jersey is the third state, behind Nevada and Delaware, to legalize online gambling. The online gambling industry in New Jersey is expected to grow to $1.5 billion over the next five years, providing up to $150 million in annual tax revenue to the state and bringing in thousands of high tech jobs, according to a January 2013 Wells Fargo study. In addition, the relationship between online gambling and ?brick and mortar? casinos is expected to attract new audiences to Atlantic City.
New Jersey?s online gambling market will serve as an example to pave the way for other states wanting to adopt similar structures and could potentially lead to online interstate gambling among participating states. The law not only includes standard language to create interstate compacts with states which have regulated online gaming, but it ensures a truly competitive marketplace by retaining the state gaming regulator?s authority to determine suitable online operators.
?As a poker player and a lifelong resident of New Jersey, I thank Governor Christie and state lawmakers for giving New Jersey residents the safety of a regulated online gambling market and for protecting their freedom to play the game they enjoy in any format they prefer,? said PPA?s State Director Anthony Salerno. ?This law will invigorate Atlantic City and will position New Jersey as national online gaming epicenter.?
State Senator Ray Lesniak, D-Union, the chief cheerleader for the bill for the past three years:
?Internet gaming is a significant accomplishment that will generate lasting economic benefits for the casinos, for Atlantic City and for the State of New Jersey. It will provide immediate benefits by extending a financial lifeline to the casinos that have been struggling with gaming losses in recent years, preventing some from closing their doors and allowing their workers to keep their jobs. It will be a boost for Atlantic City and for the state, generating new economic opportunities and new jobs for years to come.
?Online gaming can bring visitors back to Atlantic City and customers back to our casinos. An analysis by Wells Fargo Securities determined that Internet gaming would attract more visitors to the casinos, create more jobs and generate up to $1.5 billion in new revenue. Another study by Econsult says that New Jersey casinos would win back customers lost to competition from other states and that a new pool of customers would be drawn to Atlantic City. This will help restore financial stability and drive future growth.
?By capitalizing on this opportunity we are giving Atlantic City casinos the opportunity to be the ?Silicon Valley of internet gaming? and we are positioning them to be the hub of future expansion into other states. We can build on this to make sure that New Jersey is a leader in the gaming industry, that we continue to grow and add jobs and, at the same time, generate funding for the important services for seniors and the disabled that are supported by Atlantic City gaming.?
State Senator James Whelan, D-Atlantic, another crucial advocate:
?The New Jersey gaming industry, a vital part of Atlantic City?s economy, has taken heavy hits over the past few years as neighboring states have increasingly competed in the market. An innovative approach to wagering is essential to ensure that New Jersey?s gaming industry continues to grow and thrive and to protect the thousands of New Jersey jobs tied to the industry.
?Online gaming could be a real shot in the arm for Atlantic City by bringing thousands of high-tech jobs into the region and billions of dollars in revenue. With today?s approval of the Governor?s recommendations we are one step closer to ensuring the long-term stability of Atlantic City and gaming throughout the state.?
Assemblyman John Burzichelli, D-Gloucester, the prime sponsor in that chamber:
?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. 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.?
Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, D-Hudson:
?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. 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.?
Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, D-Hudson:
?The Internet has long been a reality, and Internet gaming in New Jersey should now be reality too. This bill will thoughtfully position our gaming industry to succeed, and it will mean economic growth and job creation for our state.?
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