New Jersey Now Allows Gambling via Internet

New Jersey began allowing Internet gambling in a much-watched bet that there are untapped sources of revenue on bedside iPads and cubicle desktops, and even among people checking their phones while they wait in line for coffee.

Gambling analysts say it is the most significant development since casinos opened in Atlantic City over three decades ago, ultimately setting off what became a furious competition among states for a share of the take. Eight other states have legislation pending that would allow Internet gambling. Delaware and Nevada began offering some online gambling this year. But New Jersey is considered the first true test case because it allows a full range of casino games -- not just poker -- and its much larger population offers the scale to see whether online gambling can meet the bold predictions for revenue and tap into a younger, more web-dependent demographic without stealing customers from struggling casinos.

Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), who signed the legislation allowing Internet gambling this year, is counting on that gambling to generate $1 billion for the state’s casinos in its first year, bringing in $150 million in tax revenue to help balance the state budget. Analysts are watching to see not just whether New Jersey can make money, but also whether new technology can guarantee that bets are placed only within state lines and by people older than 21, as the legislation requires. They are also watching whether, as some fear, the online expansion will put gambling addiction a mere click away.