Pinky Says: Internet Gambling Vital for Atlantic City Growth

Let’s hope Pinky Kravitz of the Atlantic City Press has some pull as he practically begged New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to sign off on an Internet gambling bill that passed both the state Assembly and Senate with flying colors. 

“Gov. Chris Christie, please sign New Jersey’s Internet-gambling bill,” Kravitz pleaded Thursday morning. 

Kravitz, 81, is a popular radio host and life long resident of Atlantic City

He writes of Christie:  “You have been a prime mover in re-establishing Atlantic City as an outstanding resort community. We are truly grateful for your establishment of the Tourism District and the curtailing of the funds that were sent to the racetracks and are now used for marketing Atlantic City. The Atlantic City Alliance was formed as a result of this and is doing what needs to be done to make people around the nation aware of this magnificent resort.

“You are cognitive of the fact that other states are considering instituting Internet gambling. Both Republican and Democrats in the Legislature moved together in providing the bill in December that will enable New Jersey’s casinos to institute Internet gambling. Since that was done, I have received numerous calls on my radio show urging you to sign the bill.

“There is little doubt in my mind that Internet gambling would be a tremendous asset to Atlantic City’s casinos. It would re-establish New Jersey as a prime site for those participating in the gambling industry. It would also bring to the city the possibility of new ownership of one or two casinos that are up for sale. I imagine you are aware that discussions are ongoing for the purchase of the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel and the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. I believe the signing of the bill will enhance these purchases.”

Last week, four state Senators urged the Governor to sign off on the bill as well.

New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney, Ray Lesniak, James Whelan (a former mayor of Atlantic City) and Jeff Van Drew each signed off on the letter to Christie, which pointed out the potential for the Garden State to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue. 

“Given the fiscal conditions facing our casinos, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and the recent movement toward Internet gaming in states across the country, we cannot afford to wait any longer for implementation.

“The fact is, Atlantic City has the potential to become a hub of Internet gaming, which will create more jobs, more revenue for casinos and generate more funding for critical programs for senior citizens and residents with disabilities,” the legislators added in a statement.

“The short term benefits would be in the form of increased economic activity, increased jobs and increased tax revenues, at very little cost to the state. Over the long term, Internet gaming could change the landscape of the gaming industry in New Jersey.”

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com