For a long time it seemed as if New Jersey would be the first state to pass online intrastate gambling laws. Last year there was quite a push for the legislation that would create thousands of jobs and thousands of dollars in tax money for the beleaguered state. Even though the bill passed through the house without a problem, Governor Bill Christie vetoed it at the last minute. Once more Sen. Raymond Lesniak is trying to get the bill approved. He has until the session ends on January 9^th. Since the last time Lesniak tried to get the bill passed there have been a number of key changes that may make it easier for Governor Christie to consent to the new set of regulations. On December 22, 2011 the state of Nevada working with the Nevada Gaming Commission legally began the application process for intrastate online poker licenses. Already a half dozen gaming companies have applied for a license. The folks in Nevada feel their new state regulations and licensing system provides casinos and gaming companies a foundation stone on which future federal regulation can rest. New Jersey is looking for something similar. Last December the federal government issued a statement regarding the application of the 1961 federal Wire Act in regards to online poker. It was made very clear that the Act applied to sports betting and not online poker play. Governor Christie's previous rejection of a New Jersey intrastate gambling law was supposedly based on the old interpretation of the Wire Act. With the recent clarification there doesn't seem to be anything but a house vote standing in Lesniak's way. The decision should be made in the next couple of days. We'll keep you posted.