New Jersey legalise online gaming

w Jersey online gaming bill has been signed into law as the race to market in the US intensifies.

Governor Chris Christie has approved the legislation, which allows land-based casinos in the state to apply for a licence to offer online casino games and poker to New Jersey residents.

Christie had conditionally vetoed similar legislation earlier in February, requesting changes in the tax rate, additional finances for problem gambling groups and a 10-year trial period.

The revised bill passed through the Assembly by 68 votes to 5 and through the Senate by 34 to 1 before the Governor then signed it into law.

New Jersey become the third state to regulate online gaming after Delaware and Nevada, both of who have been active in recent weeks in an attempt to be the first to go live with an online gaming service.

Just last week an amended Nevada online poker bill was passed by the state’s legislature before being signed by Governor Brian Sandoval.

The legislation, which would allow Nevada residents to play intrastate online poker, repeals an existing Nevada law which says the state should wait for movement at a federal level before pursuing their own bill.

Meanwhile the Delaware Lottery Office are requesting proposals from vendors seeking to operate the state’s centralised online gaming system, with an aim to introduce internet gambling in the state no later than September 30 2013.

Online gaming in the state was made possible by the signing of the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 last summer.