Days after a new Democratic governor was elected, a pair of Republican assemblymen in New Jersey introduced a bill that would bring poker, blackjack and other popular Atlantic City casino card games to the Internet.
Assemblymen Joseph Azzolina and Nicholas Asselta introduced the bill on Thursday as the state legislature convened to choose new leadership. The bill, A-3922, would allow Atlantic City casinos to carry real-time card table games via the Internet.
The measure would not change existing laws against wagering on Internet casinos. It would, however, limit Internet wagering from distant locations to "real time" play only.
The bill's real-time provision will allow for easier regulation, Azzolina said.
"Since they would be real games in every sense of the word, the games would be subject to existing state law regulating legalized wagering in New Jersey, as enforced by the Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement," he said in a statement.
The exact language of the bill won't be known until the Assembly meets again under a quorum. The next scheduled quorum isn't until Nov. 19, but as the legislature makes preparations for a new administration, there is a chance it could convene before that date.
The bill will be sent to the Commerce, Tourism, Gaming and Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, which is chaired by Azzolina and vice-chaired by Asselta. While the bill is expected to be fast-tracked through the committee, it remains unclear if there is enough support for it to pass before the end of the legislative session in mid-January.
According to a statement, a main reason for the bill's introduction is the increasing amount of gaming competition among New Jersey's neighbors.
"Our casinos currently face serious economic challenges, not only from existing casinos in Connecticut and slot operations at Delaware race tracks, but also from the recently-enacted legalization of casino gaming in New York," Azzolina said. "We have a brief three-to-four year period before casino gambling becomes a reality in New York. We must help protect our gaming industry, which is a major employer in New Jersey and provides hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues annually."
The sponsors of the bill said using any number of modern-day biometrics software and GPS programs to block minors and those outside of New Jersey could regulate the activity.
Gov.-elect Jim McGreevey, a Democrat, has remained silent regarding Internet gambling and the direction that New Jersey should take. He was elected under the banner of passing a budget in the Garden State that would address its $600 million deficit without raising taxes.
Asselta said if the bill becomes law it could spark the economy and help increase the state's revenue.
"At a time when the public is less inclined to travel, our legislation would provide a means of maintaining the vitality of Atlantic City casinos and enhancing their customer base," he said.
The new bill will join A-3150, a bill introduced by Assemblyman Tony Impreveduto on Jan. 18. Impreveduto's bill would make it legal for state-licensed casino operators to open online versions of their games, much like the law that was passed in Nevada in June. Although his bill has found little support in a committee led by members from the opposite party, Impreveduto has vowed to introduce his bill again next session.