The PPA Reacts to Gov. Chris Christie’s VetoNew Jersey Governor Shuts Down Internet Gaming Bill |
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Following New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoing a bill on Thursday that would have legalized internet gambling in his state, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) reacted with “mixed feelings,” according to a statement by former Senator, and chairman of the PPA, Alfonse D’Amato.
“We firmly believe that licensing and regulating online poker is the best and most effective way to protect consumers, protect Americans’ internet freedom and generate much needed revenue,” D’Amato said. “However, the PPA also firmly believes that given the borderless nature of the internet, these interests would be best served by federal legislation that would provide licensing and regulation of interstate poker, as opposed to state-by-state regulation, whereby players in New Jersey could only play with other players in the Garden State.”
D’Amato went on to describe the actions of New Jersey and other states as a “wake-up call to the U.S. Congress” — that it is finally time to create a federally regulated online gaming market.
“We appreciate the efforts of Sen. [Raymond] Lesniak [author of New Jersey’s vetoed internet gambling bill] and the other proponents of the bill for recognizing that it is time for internet poker to be licensed and regulated in this country, and we hope federal legislators will follow their example,” D’Amato said.
According to a press release on Gov. Christie’s website, he vetoed the bill after “citing both the inconsistency with his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the gaming and tourism industries in Atlantic City and legal concerns with the legislation.”
Despite being vetoed, Sen. Lesniak said he will work to “bring this bill back to the governor’s desk” and issued the following statement in a press release: "While the governor expressed concern with some aspects of the bill today, he’s committed to the general idea that we have to expand gaming product in order to bring our gaming industry back from the brink of fiscal insolvency. I’m encouraged that he’s expressed an interest to work together to maintain the core idea behind internet wagering.”
The legalization of internet poker in the state of New Jersey also has hope in the form of a referendum vote.
“If the legislature believes that expanding gambling outside of Atlantic City is in the best interests of the State of New Jersey, it should place the question on the ballot for the voters to decide,” Christie said.
The legislation, if eventually passed, could raise up to $250 million in revenue and bring in $55 million in taxes, according to a study conducted by the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (iMEGA).
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