 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! |
Gaming News
Cool Reception to Opening Atlantic City Casinos to Internet Play20 November 2001TRENTON, New Jersey –– As reported by The Press of Atlantic City: "Legislation potentially opening Atlantic City casino gaming to anyone around the world with a computer modem and a credit card was tabled by an Assembly panel Monday, with proponents arguing that nonaction will leave the resort far behind its competitors. "Assemblyman Nicholas Asselta, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, the bill's co-sponsor, appeared frustrated by the lack of support from the committee, saying the state would regret falling behind other markets. "…Sen. William Gormley, R-Atlantic, declared the bill dead Monday evening. "…Gormley said the bill had nothing to do with the financial well-being of the state, the protection of Atlantic City or the creation of new jobs in the region. "The bill would allow `real-time' Internet wagering on table games as they occur in casinos in Atlantic City from a remote location via the Internet, the same as if the gambler were at the gaming table in person. "…The bill would not change existing laws that prohibit online or cyber-casinos that are independent of Atlantic City casinos. It was introduced with companion legislation mandating voter approval of the measure. "…Representatives from the casino industry were noticeably absent. Several legislators pointed to that as a sign that the bill did not have critical support from its home base. "When the bill was introduced, representatives from the gaming industry said they would take a wait-and-see approach, saying existing federal restrictions on Internet gambling as well as other legal impediments could cloud the future of the bill. "Some committee members also questioned the viability of a digital face-recognition program meant to avoid fraud and underage and compulsive gambling. "…Assemblyman Guy Gregg, R-Sussex, had reservations about security against fraud…" |