Despite passing the Assembly 63-11 and the Senate 35-2 in January, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey has vetoed a bill that would have made the state the first to legalise online gaming in the US. Citing both the inconsistency with his administration’s commitment to revitalising the gaming and tourism industries in Atlantic City and legal concerns with the legislation, Governor Christie yesterday issued an absolute veto of bill S-490.

In a statement the Governor said, “Casino gaming is a vital component of the State’s economy and one of our most important industries, generating billions in revenues and providing tens of thousands of jobs. Since the earliest days of my Administration, I have stressed the urgent need to address the critical issues surrounding the casino industry in order to reinvigorate this sector of our economy and ensure its long-term sustainability. In partnership with the Legislature, we have achieved meaningful reforms that provide the impetus for new investment and increased tourism that will lead Atlantic City to recapturing its status as the premier resort destination in our region of the nation.”

The potential allowance of gambling outside of Atlantic City’s borders and the continuation of a public subsidy for horseracing were two objections that led to the Governor’s veto. However, proponents of the online gaming legislation say that these concerns could be easily addressed by amendments to the bill and a referendum is unnecessary. Already Senator Raymond Lesniak, a Primary Sponsor of S-490, has pledged to take the bill back to the Governor’s desk. He said New Jersey could not afford to delay and lose millions of dollars and thousands of jobs as it had done over the sports betting issue, giving Nevada and some other states an unfair advantage after the federal ban on sports betting was introduced.

He concluded: "I look forward to working with Governor Christie and his administration in order to get Internet wagering up and running as soon as possible. At the end of the day, Internet wagering will be one of the most important tools to help promote New Jersey's gaming industry and create much needed jobs for our State residents. We cannot let this opportunity slip through our grasp." (E-03.04.11)

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