New Jersey is seeing progress in internet gambling

 Efforts to approve online games in New Jersey are moving forward as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-N.Y., is quickly running out of time to find legislation to add his online poker legalization measures before the end of this session of Congress.

The State Legislative Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Commission has passed a dozen other bills related to the state's gambling and horse racing industry, including one that would legalize online gambling by state residents. 파친코

The online gambling bill, written by Democratic state Senator Raymond Lesniak, was expected to be put to a full congressional vote by the end of the year, after which it would go to his desk to get Gov. Chris Christie's signature.

Senate passed Resniak's internet gambling bill by a landslide 29-5. On Friday, Michael Drewniak, a spokesman for Christie's governor, declined to comment on the pending bill.

New Jersey's online gambling bill would not change the legality of most online games in the U.S. The bill would set a tax rate of 15 percent on New Jersey's internet gambling income.

Resniak said online gambling, if legalized, would bring the state $210 million to $250 million in total revenue per year. He said the move would create 547 well-paid jobs and 1,039 additional jobs for supplying products and services to online gaming companies.

Dale Erkia, a senior adviser to Gov.-elect Brian Sandoval, said Sandoval supports federal efforts to legalize online poker, but if Reed's efforts fail, "there has been no discussion of doing it at the state level."

Game industry analysts and company executives believe New Jersey's efforts could influence the nationwide debate over online gambling.

"If it goes through, it could be a tipping point for online gambling," said David G. Schwartz, director of gaming research at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. "They've already shown that casino gambling can be regulated and successful outside of Nevada."

Schwartz said he expects New Jersey-based gaming companies to participate in online poker once the measure becomes law.

The legislation continues to push through the legislature despite opposition from Caesars Entertainment Corp., which has four casinos in New Jersey. Caesars has stepped up to support the federal action, which has stalled in Congress.

"We are closely monitoring the progress of the bill. However, it is premature to comment on the potential plans before the final bill is passed and signed into law," said David Straw, a spokesman for Boyd Gaming. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming operates two resorts in New Jersey.