NJ Senator Pushes Online Betting Bill

A New Jersey lawmaker is making a last-minute bid to legalize Internet gambling that occurs within the state's borders.

Democratic state Sen. Raymond Lesniak tells The Associated Press he'll try to get a bill through the Legislature and on Republican Gov. Chris Christie's desk by next week. The goal is to make New Jersey a national leader in online gambling, now that the federal government says in-state bets don't violate the law.

New Jersey tried to become the first in the nation to approve Internet gambling in 2011, but Christie vetoed the bill, fearing it would violate federal law. The governor's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Bettors would have to be New Jersey residents, 21 or older, and physically be in the state.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)