Sweeney, Lesniak, Whelan, Van Drew Call On Governor To Sign Internet Gaming Bill

TRENTON – Senators Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, and Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, prime sponsors of S-1565, legislation which would allow casinos in Atlantic City to legally offer Internet wagering to gaming consumers throughout the state, released the following statements Thursday in response to Governor Christie’s conditional veto of the legislation.

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, the sponsor of legislation which would allow New Jersey’s casinos to run legal Internet wagering operations in the Garden State, issued the following statement today after it was reported that one of the biggest names in online poker, PokerStars.com, is currently in talks to purchase the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel:

“New investment in Atlantic City is good for New Jersey. It is great to see a modern, global company like PokerStars interested in investing in our state and teaming up with one of the iconic Boardwalk casinos, The Atlantic Club. These kinds of opportunities can be transformative and provide more proof that New Jersey – not Nevada – can be the hub for a new wave of growth in the gambling industry.

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver today announced their intention to adopt the changes made to A2578/S1565 under Governor Christie’s conditional veto as quickly as possible so that Internet gambling can be adopted here in New Jersey.

SWEENEY (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland):

“Internet gaming will be a crucial boost to Atlantic City as we continue our efforts to revitalize the area. The economic benefits to the region will mean additional revenue, additional jobs, and additional growth. It cannot be stressed enough how important it was that New Jersey be ahead of the curve on Internet gaming. I want to thank my colleagues, Senators Lesniak and Whelan, and Assemblymen Burzichelli, Prieto and Ramos for their dedication, commitment and willingness to see this through. I appreciate the governor’s having agreed to allow it to move forward.

“The Senate will move forward to adopt the governor’s conditional veto on February 26th. The sooner we bring Internet gaming to New Jersey, the better off Atlantic City is going to be.”

OLIVER (D-Essex/Passaic):

“We need to keep New Jersey’s gaming industry modern and competitive, and that means allowing carefully regulated Internet gaming. This bill and the proposed changes to it are the best way to accomplish that goal, and I look forward to the Assembly voting on Feb. 26 to move the bill forward and get this done.”

TRENTON – In response to the Senate’s vote to concur with recommendations made by the Governor on legislation (A-2578/S-1565) that would allow casinos in Atlantic City to legally offer Internet wagering to gaming consumers throughout the State, the bill’s prime sponsors Senators Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, and Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, released the following statements today on the measure that now goes back to the Governor:

Senator Lesniak:

“Internet gaming is a significant win 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.

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Jim Whelan which would allow Atlantic City’s casinos to offer Internet-based wagering to gaming consumers was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 33-3, receiving final legislative approval.

“If New Jersey’s casinos wish to compete in the 21st century, we have to give them the freedom to adapt to a 21st Century marketplace,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “By allowing casinos to tap into the burgeoning trend of Internet wagering, we can put New Jersey at the forefront of this lucrative gaming market and give our casinos the competitive edge they need in the current economic climate. This bill will mean more jobs, more revenues for our casinos, more tax revenues for worthy programs like health and housing assistance for seniors and people living with disabilities, and a healthier gaming industry in the Garden State.”

TRENTON – Calling the demise of Perretti Farms, New Jersey’s largest standardbred horse farm, the beginning of the end of the 13,000 jobs, $1 billion horseracing industry in New Jersey, Senator Raymond Lesniak announced he would re-introduce his online betting legislation, which Governor Christie vetoed earlier this year, to pump over $200 million of profits into the casino industry, add tens of millions of dollars to the state treasury and provide a bridge to self sufficiency for three years through purse enhancements to keep the horse racing industry alive.

“We cannot turn our backs on the horse tracks and casinos which employ thousands of New Jerseyans and generate billions of dollars in economic activity each year,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “We have to give this industry the tools and support to be relevant in the 21st century, and by authorizing intrastate online betting, we can provide access to a gaming product which other states have yet to capitalize on. We need to act now, before more of our state’s horse farms or casinos close their doors forever.”