Bill now awaits the signature of governor Chris Christie
New Jersey’s burgeoning online gambling business could be about to receive a further boost following the news Friday that the state legislature has approved a daily fantasy sports legalisation bill and forwarded it to Gov. Chris Christie for signature.
Bill A-3532 was originally introduced in the House by Assemblymen Vincent Mazzeo, and after approval went on to pass the state Senate – it defines DFS as a game of skill and not chance, thus ensuring that regulatory oversight will not be the responsibility of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Instead DFS will fall under the oversight of the state Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.
DFS operators will be able to apply for a licence and either operate alone or in a partnership with local land casino and racetrack operators, and will pay an annual tax of 10.5 percent on winnings, with politicians estimating that the new licence category could bring in an additional $7 million to state coffers.
The bill specifically excludes the use of high school sports games and players in DFS contests ad imposes an 18 year age limit onplayers.
Supporter of the bill, Sen. James Whelan emphasised that the motivation for the bill was primarily to protect those playing daily fantasy sports.
If Governor Christie signs the bill, New Jersey will join a growing list of US states that have independently legalised DFS and includes Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, and Arkansas.
Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa
