Tue, 03/01/2011 – 00:39 – PokerPages Staff

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie may not make a decision on the bill which could legalize online poker in the state until March 3.

It was previously thought that Christie would decide on the outcome of the legislation by February 24 as that would mark 45 days since the legislation passed the State Assembly.

Christie has four options available to him regarding the bill. He can veto it, sign it, veto it conditionally or let the time elapse which would result in legislation becoming law on March 4.

Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association Chairman, Joe Brennan Jr, provided an update on the situation late last week.

“I have heard people say they heard the governor is going to veto the bill. Our people are as close to the governor as anybody and they don’t know what he’s going to do because the governor hasn’t indicated to any party of this what he’s going to do.”

Brennan dismissed a report in the New York Post which suggested Christie would not sign the bill due to intense lobbying from the opposition to the measure.

He also confirmed that the bill could generate up to $7 billion in revenue on an annual basis and 57,000 jobs. Those figures would provide a timely boost to the Atlantic City economy.

Wed, 01/12/2011 – 23:01 – PokerPages Staff

A full regulated and licensed online gambling network moved one step closer to becoming reality in New Jersey on Monday after the Intrastate Internet Gambling Bill cleared the Assembly.

The bill will allow land based operators such as Harrah’s and other New Jersey based gaming entities to offer online poker and other internet versions of games.

Republican Governor Chris Christie will now have the final decision on the legislation which would create an additional $100 million in revenue and 500 jobs for the state.

However, it remains to be seen whether the bill will meet Christie’s approval. There are significant arguments against the passing of the gambling bill, including the fact it could put New Jersey in possible violation of Federal Law.

Those in support of the bill believe it will allow the state to move ahead of others and ‘grab the online gaming market.’

Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (IMEGA) Chairman Joe Brennan spoke of his delight at the news earlier this week.

“Congratulations to New Jersey’s legislators on their overwhelming vote in favor of the intrastate internet gambling bill.”

“It is clear that New Jersey’s representatives want their state to be at the forefront of the online gambling industry, both in the U.S and globally.”

The world’s biggest online poker site, PokerStars, has not yet given any indication to its plans if the bill is signed into law.