Family-centric groups in 13 states are calling on Congress to block states across the nation from legalizing Internet gambling, saying the societal costs will far outweigh the benefit to tax coffers.
Panelists at a major casino gambling conference in Atlantic City say the U.S. Congress is too badly divided to act on Internet gambling, so individual states will start approving it on their own within the next two years.
Legislation to authorize Internet wagering at Atlantic City casinos to enable New Jerseyans to wager on casino games via the Internet was released yesterday by an Assembly panel.
An Internet gambling bill being considered by New Jersey lawmakers could allow Atlantic City's casinos to take bets from people in other states or countries, although key details remain to be worked out.
It's good news for commercial casinos nationwide, bad news for Atlantic City. While gambling markets in Las Vegas and New York are bouncing back from the recession, New Jersey's casino revenues remain down.