New Jersey senator wants Internet poker

[The Buzz]

The entire gambling industry has been affected by the economic recession, but perhaps no place in the United States has been affected more than Atlantic City. AC has seen double-digit revenue declines throughout the year, and with Pennsylvania legalizing table games last week, those declines are expected to continue.

One New Jersey state senator has come up with a way to help boost Atlantic City's sagging revenue: legalizing Internet poker.

Sen. Raymond Lesniak has introduced legislation that would bring intrastate Internet poker to New Jersey through Atlantic City casinos.

From Poker News:

The landmark legislation, identified as New Jersey Senate Bill 490, is the first intrastate Internet gambling bill to be introduced in the U.S. Proposed California legislation to be discussed next month does not have a legislative sponsor.

This could be the beginning of the movement to license and regulate Internet poker on the state level, especially if the bill succeeds in New Jersey.

Under the legislation, only brick-and-mortar Atlantic City casinos would be considered for licensing. The hub for the gaming would be based in the casino and available for access by residents throughout New Jersey. The top casinos in Atlantic City are expected to be interested in starting their own sites, leading to competition within the state, as opposed to the monopoly on Internet gaming being pushed by the Morongo Indians in California.

[Anthony]

It is about time States capitalize on online gambling.