New Jersey To Allow Online Sports Betting?

The US state of New Jersey hits a lot of "firsts" when it comes to liberal online gambling legislation.  It's no surprise that the state offers up a gambling-friendly agenda being that it's city of Atlantic City is the Las Vegas of the East Coast.  Currently, the state is holding a referendum concerning whether or not online sports betting should be allowed in New Jersey.  As with most every US state, New Jersey is suffering from economic difficulties and sees the revenues which could come from online gambling as a major consideration for the "pro legalization" argument.

The unclear factor in this equation is the wishy-washy governor Chris Christie.  While once thought to be a supporter of legalizing gambling inside the state, he has since vetoed every gambling-related bill set forth in front of him.  Therefore, regardless of the outcomes of the referendum, Governor Christie still remains a bit of a "wild card".  Interestingly enough, many speculate that because he had his eyes on the White House, he had taken the more conservative approach towards the gambling laws. Now that he's made it clear that he's not going after the presidential nomination for 2012, his actions might coincide more with his words with regard to being pro-legalizing gambling.

On November 8th, 2011, New Jersey will again hold a public referendum concerning legalizing online betting in order to get the public's opinion.