The New Jersey legislature has passed a law that would make it legal for the onsite casinos in that state to book bets online. The measure was sent to Governor Chris Christie who has 45 days to sign it into law.

If Christie signs the bill it would allow New Jersey’s struggling Atlantic City casino industry to offer their games online to the 8.7 million residents of the state. The bill received overwhelming bi-partisan support as it was co-sponsored by Republican Joe Kryillos and Democrat Ray Lesniak. The New Jersey Senate passed the bill with a 34-2 margin while the Assembly voted 63-11 in favor of the measure.

New Jersey has struggled badly in the economic recession with higher than normal unemployment and that has been exacerbated by the state’s huge property and income taxes which have driven the productive class out of the state. New Jersey also has huge contracts to pay out to public employee unions and that has all combined to help decimate the state’s economy as well as the Atlantic City gaming industry.

It is hoped that if the bill becomes law it would jumpstart the sagging gaming industry of the state that is facing bankruptcy and layoffs as well as also provide much needed revenue to the state without any taxes being raised. Christie is in fact trying to cut taxes and spending and this bill could help him reach his goals for legislation.

New Jersey is looking to come out ahead of Nevada and California who are also considering online gaming legislation for their states.