A bill that could pave the way for New Jersey to become an Internet gambling hub passed a state Senate committee Thursday.The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee approved the bill that would allow Internet gambling equipment to be stored outside of casinos, provided that the locations are secure and still within Atlantic City borders. Right now, a lot of casinos do not have the space required to maintain Internet gaming operations, Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, said. By relocating the equipment for Internet gambling, we will give them the conditions to develop this activity properly. Assemblyman John Amodeo, R-Atlantic, has said the legislation opens up the possibility that New Jersey could host a centralized online gambling system, allowing bets to spread across state lines if New Jersey were to allow interstate agreements.Under the bill, equipment would have to remain under the complete control of the casino licensee or its Internet gambling affiliate.The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. An identical bill is awaiting action in an Assembly committee.
