A poll by Governor Chris Christie’s own pollster has shown New Jersey residents are in support of allowing residents to gamble using the Internet inside the state borders. Sent to us CalvinAyre.com by Joe Brennan Jr from iMEGA, it was compiled by Adam Geller and from first glance is more extensive than the one conducted by Farleigh Dickenson PublicMind that showed residents in opposition to online gaming being allowed.
National Research Inc. asked 600 registered voters in the state a number of detailed questions related to online gaming. One of the most pertinent questions that it posed asked Would you support or oppose a bill that would permit internet versions of casino games, such as poker and blackjack for New Jersey residents, provided it was age restricted and regulated by the casino control commission? 65 percent of those that responded were on “total support” with just 29 percent in the “total oppose” camp.
That wasn’t the only one to see such a unanimous response in one direction as the question If someone wants to play casino games on the internet, they should be allowed to, as long as it’s regulated and they can afford it, saw 74 percent in agreement with just 21 percent coming out against it. Part of the reason many have support for gambling expansion will be down to Atlantic City’s casinos playing such an integral role in the state. It was reflected in the poll as 68 percent agreed that they’re vital for the state’s economy and budget – 24 percent disagreed.
Voters also recognize that money is going missing to sites that are not being taxed. The statement whether we like it or not, thousands of people in New Jersey gamble on the internet. It is only fair that the players and the gaming sponsor pay their fair share of taxes to the state, just as gamblers and casinos in Atlantic City do. The state is losing money by not taxing internet gaming, saw 76 percent agree with just 15 percent in disagreement.
Lastly the poll asked New Jersey law already allows internet betting on horses for New Jersey residents. With that in mind, would you support or oppose a bill that would permit internet versions of casino games, such as poker and blackjack for New Jersey residents, provided it was age restricted and regulated by the casino control commission? 62 percent answered this with “total support” with just 30 percent “total oppose” and it goes to show just what the opinions of voters in New Jersey are. Add to this the fact the poll was carried out by Christie’s pollster and the confidence that a bill could pass will be strengthened.
