State Senator Raymond J. Lesniak has once again addressed Governor Christie through the media in attempt to gain his backing for online gambling legislation in the state.
“I urge him to join with us to diversify legal gaming in New Jersey while simultaneously taking a stand against illegal gaming operations which fund organized crime and send New Jersey dollars overseas,” Lesniak said.
The statement comes following the arrests of 13 reputed mob members accused of running an online gambling operation in New Jersey.
Lesniak made it clear that the laws in New Jersey need to be adjusted to combat organized crime and stop the flow of funds overseas.
“This case represents everything that’s wrong about our current policy regarding internet wagering,” he stated. “The Governor should support legislation to legitimize internet gaming … in order to give our casinos access to new revenue streams and drag currently illegal gaming practices into the light of government regulation.”
Last year, Governor Christie vetoed a bill that would have legalized online gambling in New Jersey. But, soon after the US Department of Justice revised its opinion on the Wire Act stating that it only restricts wagering on sporting events, the fickle Governor said of online gambling, “I think New Jersey should be in that business. I think we should be an epicenter for that business.”
However, following a meeting with the Governor’s staff on April 27, Lesniak was not optimistic regarding the Governor’s outlook for online gambling. He speculated that the latest shift by Christie could be a result of the influence of billionaire casino owner and staunch online gambling opponent Sheldon Adelson. Christie is a strong supporter of US presidential candidate Mitt Romney—who is believed to be seeking the support of Adelson.
“I hope the Governor recognizes [Tuesday]’s bust as a wake up call, and joins in our efforts to diversify gaming and take some of the power out of mafia-operated illegal gaming rings in the Garden State,” remarked Lesniak.
