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June 18, 2012		Majority Press Office 609-847-3500

Burzichelli, Prieto & Ramos Internet Gaming Bill Released By Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, Vincent Prieto and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. to authorize Internet wagering at Atlantic City casinos to enable New Jerseyans to wager on casino games via the Internet was released Monday by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-2578) allows all games that may be played at a casino to be offered through Internet wagering. People would be allowed to be from out-of-state, as long as it’s consistent with federal law.

The bill was released 6-0-3 by the Assembly Appropriations Committee, clearing it for full Assembly consideration.

Burzichelli, Prieto and Ramos said the Internet wagering bill would especially help New Jersey’s gaming industry amid increased competition from other states.

“We must position New Jersey’s gaming industry to thrive in the 21^st Century, and that involves authorizing a legally sound Internet gaming law,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland), who chairs the appropriations panel. “This is another key piece of our effort to boost New Jersey’s gaming industry by expanding and modernizing our wagering options. This will rejuvenate our tourist industry while increasing employment, capital investment and much needed urban redevelopment.”

“Most everything else has migrated to the Internet and taken advantage of the consumer and revenue options it offers, and New Jersey’s gaming industry should be no different,” said Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “This is a carefully crafted bill designed to ensure Internet gaming on casino games is offered the right way. It’s a much-needed competitive step forward for our casinos that could also raise more revenue to benefit senior and disabled citizens."

“The Internet has long been a reality, and Internet gaming in New Jersey should now be reality too,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “We have to move aggressively and thoughtfully to position our gaming industry to succeed, and this is another step toward that goal. It will mean economic growth and job creation for our state.”

Ramos is chairman of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee that initially released the bill.