Not too long ago California had been considering intrastate online poker.  That possibility deteriorated as a result of in-state fighting among tribes and other constituents.  Basically, over money.  But hot on the heels of New Jersey becoming (well, just about) the first state to permit intrastate online poker, California is witnessing a renewed effort to pass legislation of its own.   The next big step is to find a bill sponsor as the most recent sponsor is in legal trouble (politicians!).  It’s interesting that two of the states with the largest brick-and-mortar poker strongholds are the ones leading the online charge.  Synergy, as my college professor (of The Office) may say.  Whatever.  As long as there’s legal poker we’re there.

The New Jersey State Senate has passed legislation that would legalize intrastate online poker in New Jersey.  The measure passed by the wide margin of 29-5.  Before it becomes law, however, the bill must be passed by the State Assembly and then signed by the Governor.  Still, this is a monumental step, and given the margin of victory, a positive sign for the chances of the legislation become law.  While I applaud this development, part of me is sad.  I’m picturing talking to my kids 20 years from now about Atlantic City, and them looking at me like I look at my parents when they speak of listening to music on a phonograph.  I’ve heard of such a thing, but cannot believe it really existed.

Two quick hits on this rainy Tuesday.  First, Foxwoods has announced that, like Harrah’s, it too is positioning itself to pounce in the online gaming world when (if, I know, I know) the U.S. legalizes online gaming.  The venture is more speculative at this point (obviously, since online gaming is not yet legal), but it’s further evidence of business betting on legalization.

Second, on Monday the New Jersey Senate Budget Committee approved legislation that would legalize intrastate online gambling.  The bill now may move down the path toward full legislative debate.

A New Jersey legislative committee met on Monday to consider various casino bills, among them one that would legalize online poker if played entirely within the state’s borders.   New Jersey would take 20% of the annual gross gaming revenue, which could reach $50 million.  That tax revenue and the thousands of jobs the bill would create are being touted as strong reasons to legalize online poker.  And you thought Hoboken already was a (somewhat) cool place to live in lieu of NYC.  Imagine if you could player poker legally there.  Jackpot!

Here is a summary of federal and state gambling legislation prepared by two partners at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.  For all you non-lawyers out there, Skadden is one of the preeminent law firms in the world, perhaps the best.  Akin to what Ivey is to poker.  Sadly, Skadden’s conclusion is that progress will be “incremental” and likely will occur on a state level before a nationwide resolution is reached.

Be careful what you wish for I suppose.  NJ had been on the fast track toward legalized intrastate online poker.  That was, until, the federal government got a bill out of committee and the NJ Governor announced the state’s intention to overhaul Atlantic City.  All this has caused the push to legalize online poker in NJ to stall somewhat.   What was once though to be a given to happen by the end of the year is no longer being given such short odds.  Which is not to say that the measure is dead in the water.  To the contrary, unlike in California and other states, both houses of the NJ legislature support legalization.  So it looks like the legislation ultimately will pass, but when is now more uncertain.  Then again, if the federal government repeals the UIGEA (either directly or in effect), all this will be for naught and poker will reign supreme in all states.

If you’ve been to Atlantic City in the, well, past 30 years, you know that the town is need of a massive makeover.  Heck, it needs more than touch-up work.  It needs to be gutted.  Enter Governor Christie to the rescue.  New Jersey just announced a total overhaul of the city, including who is in charge legally, who is in charge practically, a new direction, and a rededicated drive.

To be more accurate, NJ will be taking over just the gaming and entertainment district, not the entire city.  But for us non-residents, this is the part we are most concerned with anyway.  Among the changes are that the gaming/entertainment district will become its own city (albeit within the rest of the city of AC — think the Vatican), local police no longer will be charged with protection, garbage disposal responsibility will reside with the state, and gaming regulations will be updated to make them in-line with those of Nevada (i.e., looser).

These are much needed and long overdue upgrades for AC.  Hopefully it is not too late.  AC faces strong competition from every direction (except east, since it is on the ocean).  The new Pennsylvania casinos are a stone’s throw away, Yonkers has added slots, Mohegan/Foxwoods have expanded greatly recently, the Shinneock tribe soon will be getting a casino, and Delaware has broadened its gambling.  What none of these places have, however, is miles of beautiful beaches.  Vegas is hot, and so usable year round.  But AC has the water.  Granted it’s usable for only a few months each year, but the water should be made a major focal point of the destination.  People should want to fly to AC to wine, dine, gamble, and swim.  Water sports (surfing, windsurfing, paddle surfing, swimming, jet skiing, etc.), fishing, piers with restaurants/bars, etc. should be everywhere.  Every great military leader knows that you must use your environment to your advantage.  Atlantic City is under attack.  Use the water.

New Jersey continues to march down the path toward becoming the first U.S. state to legalize online gambling.  The bill, which just made it out of committee, would permit electronic wagering for poker, blackjack, and other casino games.   The legislation is predicted to increase revenues of the brick-and-mortar casinos by more than $200 million, with a by-product of that perhaps being a revival of AC itself.  (OK, that last part was my thought, er, hope.)

New Jersey Moves to Legalize Internet Poker and Sports Betting
New Jersey is taking Internet poker into its own hands.  In recent weeks moves were made in the direction of making Internet gambling legal in the state.  The new laws won’t restrict players to just sites operated by New Jersey casinos.  Poker players will still be able to play on Full Tilt and Poker Stars.  The chairman of the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, Joe Brennan, feels that New Jersey’s move to legalize Internet gambling will have on a positive affect on Federal legislation, forcing the government to get things moving.

Delaware Passes a Bill Allowing Table Games at Casinos
Delaware has just made table games legal in its casinos, with a bill that was passed last week.  The final decision on what table games will be allowed has yet to be decided, but it is expected that poker will be included.  The next games are expected to be available in Delaware’s casinos by the summer.

New Jersey has become the first state to introduce legislation to legalize intrastate online poker.  The proposed legislation would permit already licensed brick-and-mortar casinos to establish online poker websites that serve only NJ residents.  Unlike the state-run option being considered informally in California, NJ’s structure would, theoretically, foster competition among the the casinos.  Two other interesting aspects of the proposed law:  other table games would be permitted and NJ residents would still be able to play on already established offshore sites, such as PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.