Contradictory poll results in New Jersey

Industry observers confused by the apparent disconnect between polls on how New Jersey residents feel about legalised online gambling now have a third option to consider.

The long established and well respected independent research company National Research Inc., weighed in on the debate with its own poll Tuesday, which CEO Adam Geller said was conducted on a sample of 600 New Jersey voters.

Contrary to the latest Farleigh Dickenson poll, which indicated an anti-online gambling sentiment , the NRI study found a generally positive reaction.

Among the questions respondents were 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?”

Finding: 65 percent supported the idea and 29 percent rejected it.

* “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.”

Finding: 74 agreed with the statement and 21 were against it.

* “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.”

Finding: 76 percent agreed and 15 percent did not.

* “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?”

Finding: 62 percent said they would support such a bill, vs. 30 percent who said they would not.