Concerns over the future of iGaming in the United States have multiplied after Attorney General nominee Jeff Sessions said that he would revisit a 2011 Department of Justice ruling that left the legalization of online gambling to individual states.
A potential federal ban on iGaming would block existing operations in three US states – Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey, and would void ongoing efforts for the legalization of online gambling options in several other states.
The New Jersey General Assembly issued earlier this week a Joint Resolution, sponsored by Assemblyman Vincent Mazzeo, urging the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, his administration, and the Congress to oppose any measures that may challenge the existing status quo.
New Jersey has the youngest of all three US regulated online gaming markets. A 2013 law authorized the provision of iGaming options within the state’s borders and several Atlantic City casinos have gone live with gambling websites since then. Internet gambling has enjoyed a stable growth over the past three years.
As reported by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the amount of $196.7 million was generated in iGaming win in 2016, reflecting a 32.1% increase from the prior year. That resulted in $29.5 million in tax revenue being contributed to the state’s coffers.
In the Assembly’s Joint Resolution, New Jersey lawmakers have argued that a federal ban on online gambling would deprive the state and its casino industry of much-needed revenue boost and would erase years of efforts and substantial investments put into the creation of a stable regulated market and jobs for those employed in it. The legislative piece has also urged President Trump and the Congress to dismiss any attempts for the implementation of such a prohibition.
Here it is important to note that the Joint Resolution does not carry the legal force of a law and rather indicates legislators’ viewpoint on a particular issue.
Although President Trump has not expressed any opinion on the future of iGaming, many fear that his administration may not be that well-disposed towards this type of gambling offering. According to industry insiders, the US top official may be influenced by his former fellow casino owner, Republican Party financial backer, and staunch online gambling opponent Sheldon Adelson in adopting measures that would block this type of services at a federal level.
