In a move that bodes well for the future of online gaming in America, the New Jersey State Senate has voted to allow Atlantic City’s casino operators to offer internet versions of their tables and machines.
It was only a matter of time, really, before the government realized that they too could profit from such a joint venture. Etched into the bill is an amendment which will impose a 15 percent tax on the gross revenue generated by Jersey’s gaming giants.
As currently written, this new piece of legislature will provide legal protection for “poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, craps, big six wheel, slot machines, minibaccarat (sic), red dog, pai gow, and sic bo; any variations or composites of such games, provided that such variations or composites, and any above listed game or variation or composite of such game to be offered through Internet wagering.”
Unlike their Carribean-based cousins, New Jersey’s online gaming systems are required to be run out of Atlantic City itself. Furthermore, all internet gambling businesses operated within the city boundaries must be licensed by the established casino executives.
Senator Raymond Lesniak, the man who authored the bill itself, is full of enthusiasm for his creation.
“It’s going to be presented to the governor,” he said, “and I don’t think he’s going to have any option but to sign it before the end of the year.
“We have to put forward regulations…so that will take some time, but we’re very well versed in regulating gambling… so we’re in good shape to get this rolling as soon as possible.”
While US citizens living outside the Garden State will not be eligible for service, players from across national borders will be welcomed through the digital doors. All things considered, this is a positive step for both the government and the industry, no matter how local it may at first seem.