NJ Governor Vetoes Online Gambling Bill

March 2nd, 2011 by Archer Bannister

NJ Governor Vetoes Online Gambling Bill

Today New Jersey Governor Christie vetoed the “Intrastate Internet Gambling Bill” that would legalize online gambling at licensed online casinos for NJ residents.

Initially, Christie would have had to make his decision known by Feb. 24^th, but the governor’s office announced a 1-week delay due to a legislative recess.

Christie´s Motives Ining to his decision Christie said he wrestled with both “legal issues and constitutional concerns.” His main concern is that the bill does not contain passages to prevent other businesses like nightclubs, restaurants and cafes from starting online gambling venues.

Another reason for him to veto the bill is a passage that facilitates the use of a part of online gambling revenues to support the NJ horse racing industry. This is against Christie´s efforts to cut off the industry from state subsidies.

The Future for Bill S3167 Now the Governor used his veto to prevent the effectuation of bill s3167, known as the Intrastate Internet Gambling Bill, it would have to go back to the legislature and pass with a two-thirds majority for the veto to be overridden.

Ray Lesniak, who sponsored the bill, already announced he would not attempt to override a Governmental veto.

On top of this, it would be unlikely that the Republican members of the legislature would vote in favor of the bill in a second instance.

Christie is a Republican, and an attempt to override his veto would be a major sign of distrust from his own party members.

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