New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Thursday making his conditional veto of an online gambling legalisation bill has been seen as a temporary obstacle that will be easy to overcome.
A conditional veto allows the state Legislature to reconsider a measure, amend it appropriately & then return it to the governor for signature into law. Sen. Ray Lesniak has already indicated that he will be driving such an initiative almost immediately.
Among the many positive reactions to the conditional veto Thursday was one from Pokerstars, whose Rational Group parent is currently involved in getting permission from the New Jersey authorities to acquire the Atlantic Club casino…clearly with one eye on the possibility of legalised online poker if it is operated from an Atlantic City casino as laid down in the vetoed measure.
The Isle of Man-based online poker giant issued a statement expressing the hope that state legislators would press ahead quickly with making the necessary amendments to lift the veto & get the governor to sign the Lesniak bill into state law.
“We have consistently said that this bill will drive economic development & job creation in New Jersey & are committed to play our part in that process. Said PokerStars. “We are pleased that Governor Christie sees the significant benefits of mixing online & offline gaming,” continued the company spokesperson said.
“The most important thing, though, is that all parties work collaboratively to bring this bill back for signature quickly so that Atlantic City & New Jersey can begin to benefit from this proven global model for successful gaming.”
Christie, who describes his required amendments as “minor”, wants to impose a ten year trial period with a higher tax rate of 15% instead of the 10% currently proposed.
