ATLANTIC CITY — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is preparing to announce whether his state will become the first in the nation to legalize internet gambling. The state Legislature has passed a bill authorizing Atlantic City's 11 casinos to set up computer servers and equipment capable of receiving and paying out bets from New Jersey residents. A section that...
A man in Virginia plays poker on his computer connected to an internet gaming site. Gov. Chris Christie will announce today whether New Jersey residents will legally be able to do the same.ATLANTIC CITY — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is preparing to announce whether his state will become the first in the nation to legalize internet gambling.
The state Legislature has passed a bill authorizing Atlantic City's 11 casinos to set up computer servers and equipment capable of receiving and paying out bets from New Jersey residents. A section that would have let people outside the U.S. play was scrapped.
The governor's announcement is expected today.
If Christie signs the bill, it could touch off an online gold rush, with cash-strapped states rushing to approve their own Internet betting bills. New Jersey would tax Internet betting revenue at 23 percent, nearly three times the rate the casinos pay on their winnings.
Previous coverage:
• Editorial: It's like beating a dead horse
• Gov. Christie approves bills expanding horse betting options
• N.J. Democrats push for legalized internet betting for Atlantic City's casinos
• Archive: N.J. Gov. Chris Christie proposes overhaul of gaming industries