This week, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee unanimously advanced legislation that would support and extend casinos’ use of online gambling for 10 more years.

When internet gaming was first legalized back in 2013, it was authorized for a decade—meaning it is set to expire this November. Senate Bill 3075, sponsored by Sen. Vince Polistina, R-2nd District, amends the existing authorization and extends it for an additional 10-year period.

“The legalization of online gambling and sports betting was a catalyst for struggling casinos in the aftermath of the Great Recession,” said Polistina. “In places like Atlantic City, internet gaming has created a number of good-paying jobs for workers as well as generating millions of dollars in tax revenues for the state. This legislation would extend the authorization of online gaming services through 2033 to ensure stability in the gambling industry.”

Internet gaming especially took off during the pandemic and those trends have stuck in the wake of COVID-19, with monthly data bearing out just how important the sector has become to the overall state gaming ecosystem. For example, in the most recent set – April’s figures released in mid-May – casinos and their partners reported an internet gaming win of $158.9 million, a 16.1% jump from April 2022. The year-to-date figure, at that point, was $620.1 million, a 13.7% increase compared with last April.

In 2022, the online casinos generated more than $1.66 billion in revenue, while accounting for nearly 30% of total gaming revenue.

Beyond the extension, the legislation retains all provisions of the original law, including the 15% tax on gross online casino revenue. Since its inception, internet gaming has generated more than $1.065 billion in taxes for the state.

“Internet gaming has kept New Jersey at the forefront of an evolving gambling industry,” said Polistina. “This extension supports the integral role that the internet plays in shaping the current and future success of casinos in New Jersey.”

The bill now awaits a full Senate vote while the companion measure, Assembly Bill 2190, makes its way through the lower house, before getting to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.