TAGS: Gov. Chris Christie, New Jersey online gambling bill, S. 1565, Assembly Bill 2578, brick-and-mortar casino, Atlantic City casino, online casino, online gambling, Internet casinos
TRENTON, NJ -- Gov. Chris Christie vetoed on Feb. 7 a bill would have legalized online gambling operations by existing Atlantic City brick-and-mortar casinos.
Christie said he could support legalized Internet casinos if they were taxed at 15%; S. 1565, also designated Assembly Bill 2578, had called for a 10% tax rate. He also urged that lawmakers include a 10-year trial period in any new enabling legislation.
"Gov. Christie concludes that now is the right time for the state to move forward and again lead the nation by becoming one of the first states to permit Internet gaming, but only with the right limitations and protections," the governor's office said in a statement.
Internet gambling proponents worldwide, including overseas Internet casino operators, praised the governor's stance.
Christie vetoed a similar bill one year ago. Nevada and Delaware have also legalized online gambling, but neither has launched online operations.
