N.J. Gov. may veto online gambling bill

Feb 23, 2011, 7:49 pm (15 comments)

Online Gambling

Internet gaming may not be coming to the Garden State after all.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie next week is expected to veto a bill that would have allowed state residents to become the first in the country to place legal bets from their living rooms over the Internet, sources told the New York Post.

Christie, who weeks ago was said to be leaning toward signing the bill in hopes of reversing Atlantic City's dwindling revenues, is now, after intense lobbying, likely not to approve the controversial measure, sources added.

The first-term Republican has six days, until Feb. 24, to veto the bill or it becomes law.

"Christie is being pushed in both directions," a source close to the situation said. "My gut tells me he is not going to sign."

Lawmakers passed the bill on Jan. 10, hoping to breathe new life into the state's 11 casinos — which, because of stepped-up competition from Delaware and Pennsylvania, saw monthly revenues fall by $100 million over the last two years.

Internet gaming would bring in roughly $10 million in added revenue a month, one lawmaker estimated. The cash-strapped state, which will tax online gaming revenue at a 23 percent clip, expects to pocket roughly $28 million in added revenue a year.

Under the proposed law, gamblers would have to prove their state residency and their legal age — and register in a casino first before they would be allowed to gamble online.

Democratic State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, a co-sponsor of the bill, which passed both legislative houses with ease, said yesterday he believes if Christie vetoes the measure that similar efforts making their way through state legislatures across the country would also fail.

For Atlantic City casinos, the extra revenue "could be life or death," Lesniak said.

Lesniak said if Christie vetoes the bill he will not try to override it.

The governor's spokesman said he would return a call for comment — but did not.

Christie is coming under pressure from Caesar's Entertainment (formerly Harrah's), which owns one of the state's 11 casinos, to veto the bill, one source close to the matter said. Caesar's believes that New Jersey is getting in the way of potential federal legislation legalizing online gaming, the source noted. It believes the federal measure is a bigger priority.

Christie is also wary that if online gaming becomes legal that federal prosecutors might sue the state over concern that customers who are in the state are wiring money from out of the state into their accounts violate the Wire Act.

A federal law legalizing Internet gaming would have a better chance of negotiating those issues beforehand, a source noted.

Lesniak said Caesar's "only cares about their Nevada interests."

Some believe legalizing online poker on any level is simply a bad idea.

"The biggest problem I have with Internet gambling is how do you stop kids," anti-gambling advocate Arnie Wexler said. "The Internet is the quickest, fastest way to addiction."

New York Post

Comments

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

It was a bad bill to begin with IMHO, I do hope he veto's this ...! 

S157855

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Feb 23, 2011

It was a bad bill to begin with IMHO, I do hope he veto's this ...! 

I Agree!

 

"The biggest problem I have with Internet gambling is how do you stop kids," anti-gambling advocate Arnie Wexler said. "The Internet is the quickest, fastest way to addiction." Chair

Boney526's avatarBoney526

I'm torn on it.

On the one hand, the Feds shouldn't have banned online gambling - and IMO, they don't have the authority to do so within a state.  The constiution gives them power to regulate interstate trade, but says nothing about intrastate trade.  But of course Christie, a former US attorney, will always be wary of laws that conflict federal law - just like how he is stalling the advancement of the medical marijuana bill.  He's trying to keep NJ safely following federal law.  That's one of my only criticisms of him - I don't think states should always follow unjust/unfair/unconstituional/stupid federal laws....  as The 9th and 10th amendments allow us to "nullify" federal laws.  The Federal government could try to enforce them on us, that doesn't mean we have to enforce them upon ourselves.

 

Overall - we need change something like this.  But I'm glad he's giving it thought - I'm sure he'll make the best decision he can.  I can honestly say he's one of the few politicians I'd like to give the benifit of the doubt when it comes to outside lobbying efforts.  There is plenty of arguement for not allowing this bill to pass.  I would love to be able to play my Pick 3 numbers online when I can't get out - but if there are lots of loopholes and problems with the legislation that allows me to, then I'd rather it not be put into law.

Boney526's avatarBoney526

You know what's very strange?

 

It passed with a giant majority - very, very few senators and assemblymen (our equivalent of a house) voted against it.  It's way over the 2/3s required for an override and this politician (don't recall his name) isn't going to try for an override, when this has been a big part of his legislative agenda....

 

Something's fishy here.

Colt45ML's avatarColt45ML

Quote: Originally posted by Boney526 on Feb 23, 2011

You know what's very strange?

 

It passed with a giant majority - very, very few senators and assemblymen (our equivalent of a house) voted against it.  It's way over the 2/3s required for an override and this politician (don't recall his name) isn't going to try for an override, when this has been a big part of his legislative agenda....

 

Something's fishy here.

Well, just like you said, I'll give the governor the benefit of the doubt on this one.  Maybe the leadership in the legislature don't consider this bill a big enough priority to go cross ways over it with Chrisie. 

I know one thing; I wish we had a governor of my state like Christie.  I see that he flat dismisses the idea of running for prez in '12.  If he changes his mind, there is about an 80% chance right now that I would vote for him in the primaries.  But he does need to lose some weight.  I'd hate to see him keil over dead while he is being swarn in as President of the United States.  That would be the worst tradgedy the country has ever seen.

Boney526's avatarBoney526

Quote: Originally posted by Colt45ML on Feb 24, 2011

Well, just like you said, I'll give the governor the benefit of the doubt on this one.  Maybe the leadership in the legislature don't consider this bill a big enough priority to go cross ways over it with Chrisie. 

I know one thing; I wish we had a governor of my state like Christie.  I see that he flat dismisses the idea of running for prez in '12.  If he changes his mind, there is about an 80% chance right now that I would vote for him in the primaries.  But he does need to lose some weight.  I'd hate to see him keil over dead while he is being swarn in as President of the United States.  That would be the worst tradgedy the country has ever seen.

I'd be a little upset if he ran in 2012--- for 2 reasons.  We need him in Jersey, and he probably won't win another term (I really hope he does, but people here hate him nowadays,).  In my public speaking course I had to do an impromptu speech, and saw the topic (NJ's governer race) so I chose it, and made a bunch of points, concluding that we made the right decision.  At the end one of my friends said it was good to hear an oppossing viewpoint explained clearly- because everyone complains about him because "cuts" were made.

 

I don't think it makes any sense to not cut a budget that has a 10 billion dollar shortfall, but it seems a lot of people in NJ don't seem to grasp the concept that the state isn't an endless supply of money.  Either that - or they simply want to ignore the budget altogether.  Personally, I'd rather not see my state shut down.

So he could run after the people in Jersey vote in someone who wants to spend an extra 20 billion or something ridiculous like that.

 

Second reason, he made a promise that he wouldn't run in 2012 - so he shouldn't.

 

Although, TBH, I'd still probably vote for him for President/Primaries.  Just becasue the Federal government needs someone like him just as bad as Jersey does.

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

I don't care .................. my computer is not in my living room .................. and I will not live in New Jersey!

                                                                 Crazy

 

And now ................ a nice win in Powerball for this guy from PA !

louise black

LurkingI think Christie is one to say something about anything since he ,himself clearly have NOOOOOOOOO discipline himself. He's real BIG on the dishing out regulation to others when he should be dishing to himself.Oh! yes he is  a one term Governor rightly so too.The people of Jersey which is a( BLUE STATE) will not tolerate a big fussy man taking away people chances of improving their situation. I will speak for my people in Jersey. We can't get rid of him soon enough,good ridden.Banana It's strange how all the Republicans on this site think it's alright when it's a Republican stopping a online gambling bill. Yah! I thought so.No No

Boney526's avatarBoney526

Quote: Originally posted by louise black on Feb 24, 2011

LurkingI think Christie is one to say something about anything since he ,himself clearly have NOOOOOOOOO discipline himself. He's real BIG on the dishing out regulation to others when he should be dishing to himself.Oh! yes he is  a one term Governor rightly so too.The people of Jersey which is a( BLUE STATE) will not tolerate a big fussy man taking away people chances of improving their situation. I will speak for my people in Jersey. We can't get rid of him soon enough,good ridden.Banana It's strange how all the Republicans on this site think it's alright when it's a Republican stopping a online gambling bill. Yah! I thought so.No No

Like I said, I haven't read the bill.  I'm a conservative, not really a republican, but I'm willing to give him the benifit of the doubt because he's one of the few politicians who's proven himself to   be a straight talker.  And just so you know, I didn't support him in the election, I supported the independent candidate, although in hindsight I think Christie was the much better choice.  It's not like a blindly support him - I take issue with a few of his policies, and this is one of them.  He tries to make sure our state lives up to federal law, when we don't need to.

 

You're right, though, the people in this state won't tolerate someone trying to balance our budget.  They want someone who's gonna spend us into a oblivion.

 

EG:  We got a buncha stimulus money, which Corzine added a bunch to the education system for a year.  After it ran out, people got mad that Christie cut off that part of the budget.  Because it makes sense to spend money that doesn't exist.

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Quote: Originally posted by louise black on Feb 24, 2011

LurkingI think Christie is one to say something about anything since he ,himself clearly have NOOOOOOOOO discipline himself. He's real BIG on the dishing out regulation to others when he should be dishing to himself.Oh! yes he is  a one term Governor rightly so too.The people of Jersey which is a( BLUE STATE) will not tolerate a big fussy man taking away people chances of improving their situation. I will speak for my people in Jersey. We can't get rid of him soon enough,good ridden.Banana It's strange how all the Republicans on this site think it's alright when it's a Republican stopping a online gambling bill. Yah! I thought so.No No

You have an awful lot to say for someone who does'nt live in NJ.

You don't have any clue whatsoever what is going on here in NJ, only because he's a Republican you seem to be attracted to comments that don't appease you. If the man was black, you wouldn't have enough good things to say about him.

You say: 

""  The people of Jersey which is a( BLUE STATE) will not tolerate a big fussy man taking away people chances of improving their situation. ""

Lady, I have a clue for you, we got rid of the Democrat who put us in this situation, and elected a man who is bringing us back to the right track. What situation would be improved?  So people can sit on their carcasses and play? While all the children get online and get addicted to gambling, is that your type of improvement??

You ned to take your thoughts and give them to the Governor of Michigan instead of sticking it in NJ's business.

He may be a one time Governor, but he'll be the best this State has ever had..

We can't get rid of you soon enough. Good (riddence) also....! 

S157855

Quote: Originally posted by louise black on Feb 24, 2011

LurkingI think Christie is one to say something about anything since he ,himself clearly have NOOOOOOOOO discipline himself. He's real BIG on the dishing out regulation to others when he should be dishing to himself.Oh! yes he is  a one term Governor rightly so too.The people of Jersey which is a( BLUE STATE) will not tolerate a big fussy man taking away people chances of improving their situation. I will speak for my people in Jersey. We can't get rid of him soon enough,good ridden.Banana It's strange how all the Republicans on this site think it's alright when it's a Republican stopping a online gambling bill. Yah! I thought so.No No

Im neither Republican or Democrat, more like a mixture. Both are Evil in their own right.

 

My Notes:

1) Many can't control their spending inside a casino, being able to do it online would make the person(s) in question poorer<-lol? While making the rich, richer. (This doesnt necessarly mean it would help the state, but it would definatly help someone)

2) Having to apply in a casino to play online, ... About the kids using parents accounts or whatnot... BETTER PARENTING?!? Lock the computer, use a specific computer to gamble on? Learn to clear your cache, history, so your kids cant pull it up with a single click? (Arguement about kids is pathetic, and yes i have kids, 2 actually.)

3) We recently had a small Slot machine casino put into our little town. Its right beside my bank lol!?!? Everytime i go to use the ATM i see dozens of elderly people driving 500.00 cars inside playing.. (Reference Note 1) The owners driving a 20,000.00+ Car. (Again Reference Note 1) And there is not a minor to be seen anywhere near the place. (Note 2)

 

BS

louise black

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Feb 24, 2011

You have an awful lot to say for someone who does'nt live in NJ.

You don't have any clue whatsoever what is going on here in NJ, only because he's a Republican you seem to be attracted to comments that don't appease you. If the man was black, you wouldn't have enough good things to say about him.

You say: 

""  The people of Jersey which is a( BLUE STATE) will not tolerate a big fussy man taking away people chances of improving their situation. ""

Lady, I have a clue for you, we got rid of the Democrat who put us in this situation, and elected a man who is bringing us back to the right track. What situation would be improved?  So people can sit on their carcasses and play? While all the children get online and get addicted to gambling, is that your type of improvement??

You ned to take your thoughts and give them to the Governor of Michigan instead of sticking it in NJ's business.

He may be a one time Governor, but he'll be the best this State has ever had..

We can't get rid of you soon enough. Good (riddence) also....! 

PukeCussing Face I do believe in my statement ,I was speaking for my people(relatives) in Jersey you don't know what I know because you don't know who I know including my people (relatives).It would be a good ridden to your kind and relief.Big Grin

louise black

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Feb 24, 2011

You have an awful lot to say for someone who does'nt live in NJ.

You don't have any clue whatsoever what is going on here in NJ, only because he's a Republican you seem to be attracted to comments that don't appease you. If the man was black, you wouldn't have enough good things to say about him.

You say: 

""  The people of Jersey which is a( BLUE STATE) will not tolerate a big fussy man taking away people chances of improving their situation. ""

Lady, I have a clue for you, we got rid of the Democrat who put us in this situation, and elected a man who is bringing us back to the right track. What situation would be improved?  So people can sit on their carcasses and play? While all the children get online and get addicted to gambling, is that your type of improvement??

You ned to take your thoughts and give them to the Governor of Michigan instead of sticking it in NJ's business.

He may be a one time Governor, but he'll be the best this State has ever had..

We can't get rid of you soon enough. Good (riddence) also....! 

No NoCussing Face I refuse to be BULLY.

sully16's avatarsully16

I wish he would run for President! I like him.

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