Washington, DC (December 20, 2012) – The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, today commended the passage of the Internet gambling bill, A2578, by the New Jersey State Senate.
The legislation, which passed 33 – 3, would allow for Internet gambling, including the game of poker, within the state. It would also add New Jersey to Delaware, which was the first state in the country to authorize online casino gambling earlier this year.
“Even though the U.S. Congress has stalled on its effort to pass a bill, the inevitability of regulated online poker proceeds in New Jersey. I am encouraged that this legislation has advanced through the state legislature and is now before Governor Christie for his consideration,” said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. “With such an overwhelmingly supportive vote, it is clear New Jersey’s state senate has recognized the incredible benefits this legislation will provide for residents and the state’s overall economy. On behalf of the thousands of poker players living in New Jersey who have been eagerly waiting for a safe and fair environment in which to play online poker, I urge Governor Christie to sign this important bill into law.”
“This week hundreds of poker enthusiasts led by the PPA and its New Jersey State Director have contacted the governor’s office by phone, email and through the social networks like Facebook encouraging Governor Christie to sign the bill,” added PPA’s State Director, Anthony Salerno, a police Captain who resides in Howell, NJ. “For years New Jersey’s status as a unique destination for gambling and entertainment has helped to build it into the great state it is today. Now as our state’s economy has weakened under the burden of the national debt, this bill offers a unique opportunity to remain on the forefront of this innovative industry and to serve as the epicenter for the growth of Internet poker in the U.S. This will mean hundreds of jobs and millions in much-needed revenue for our great state that must not be overlooked.”
Quelle: Poker Players Alliance (PPA)