New Jersey Account Wagering Bill Encompasses Net Betting

Last month, Interactive Gaming News reported that Louisiana, through a proposed pari-mutuel account wagering bill, became the first U.S. state to move toward legalizing Internet gambling. Since then, we've learned that New Jersey actually beat Louisiana to a punch, through a similar piece of legislation.

Introduced January 11 and sponored by senators Richard Codey and Robert Singer, New Jersey Senate Bill No. 584, if passed, would legalize account wagering in the state of New Jersey. Like the Louisiana legislation, the bill leaves the door open for Internet-based account wagering by allowing for the transmission of bets via " communication through other electronic media." Unlike the Louisiana bill, however, there are no known plans for implementing an Internet wagering system.

Specifically, S584 defines account wagering in section three as follows:

"Account wagering" means a form of parimutuel wagering in which an account holder may deposit money in an account with the account wagering licensee and then use the account balance to pay for parimutuel wagers by the account holder. The account holder may place an account wager in person, by direct telephone call or by communication through other electronic media.

A companion bill, A889, is being looked out in the House. Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, who chairs the committee where the house bill was introduced, says he expects it to pass.

Also see: "Louisiana Goes for It"

House Bill 889
Bateman, Christopher/Doria, Joseph V.
Establishes off-track wagering facilities and account wagering system for parimutuel betting on horse races.
Jan 11, 2000 - Introduced And Referred To Assembly Commerce, Tourism, Gaming and Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee

Senate Bill 584
Codey, Richard J./Singer, Robert W.
Establishes off-track wagering facilities and account wagering system for parimutuel betting on horse races.
Jan 11, 2000 - Introduced And Referred To Senate Economic Growth, Agriculture and Tourism Committee