新泽西州的网上赌博法案没有得到州长首肯(2)

　　译文：

　　New Jersey governor online gambling bill didn't get consent

　　Last month both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly approved a bill developed by Senator Ray Lesniak that intends to legalize online poker as well as online casino games in the state. In order for the bill to become law it needs Governor Christie's approval, who continues to be silent about the issue.

　　The new intrastate online casino and online poker law developed by New Jersey Senator Ray Lesniak and voted by the State Senate and Assembly was not yet approved by Governor Chris Christie. The bill will only enter into force when Christie signs it into law.

　　Christie's reluctance to sign the bill into law more than three weeks after its approval raised many questions in New Jersey and in the US. Last time such a bill was approved both by the State Senate and Assembly Governor Christie decided to veto it supposedly because it didn't adequately covered the issue of player protection.

　　This time the bill was drafted in the way to satisfy Christie's concerns. Senator Lesniak explained last month that all issues criticized by Christie in 2011 were remedied and as such this time the Governor will have no other choice than to approve the bill.

　　Still, so far Christie seems to avoid addressing the issue which could mean that he isn't convinced about approving the bill. This prompted Senator Lesniak to comment that he was "mystified why [Christie] doesn't understand the magnitude of the revenue shortfall in Atlantic City and how without Internet gaming at least one casino will go bankrupt and thousands of jobs will be lost."

　　Christie however still has the opportunity to sign the bill into law and may do so during the next couple of days or weeks. The reason Christie ignored the bill so far might just be that he doesn't considers it to be a top priority at this very moment.

　　Other industry observers however argue that this delay is not a coincidence. This year Governor Christie will be up for reelection meaning that though the approval of Lesniak's bill he might upset some of his Republican, hardcore anti-online gambling colleagues.

　　In case Christie approves Lesniak's bill then New Jersey would be among the first US states to legalize online poker and online casino gaming. This could lead to substantial tax revenues for the state which in turn would encourage other states to take the path of online poker and casino legalization.