Press of Atlantic City – State Sen. Raymond Lesniak introduced legislation Thursday intended to lure international online gambling firms to Atlantic City.
Lesniak, D-Union, announced his intentions last month during a press conference at the Atlantic City Convention Center. At that time, however, the bill would have allowed the companies to be located anywhere in the state.
That changed following a suggestion from state Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic. Whelan said he spoke to Lesniak about amending the proposal to focus on Atlantic City. That’s beneficial to the resort and ensures there won’t be any legal challenges over constitutionality as the state currently limits casino-style gambling to Atlantic City, he said.
“Obviously from Atlantic City’s perspective, the casino companies and so on, it’s good for the city and it avoids any potential constitutional issues,” Whelan said. “Do it in Atlantic City. The companies are going to be here anyway.”
Under Lesniak’s proposal, all facilities, equipment and personnel would have to be located in secure facilities in Atlantic City. International firms would have to go through the state’s licensing process. The companies would then be able to offer online gambling to their current clientele around the world, but players could not mingle with the New Jersey Internet gambling market.
Online gambling companies are interested in being located in New Jersey because of the stability and security a regulated marketplace offers, Lesniak said.
