Fearing a hit to the pocketbook, most N.J. voters oppose online gambling, poll finds

A bill to allow Internet gambling on casino games is making its way through the New Jersey Legislature, but a new poll shows the majority of Garden State voters are against it.

Nearly 60 percent of New Jersey voters surveyed by Fairleigh Dickinson University oppose allowing Atlantic City casinos to run betting games over the Internet.

While it could increase state revenues, poll director Peter Woolley says residents are worried that it might deplete their own finances.

“People are concerned that they will spend too much money and not just themselves but their spouse, their son, their father, anyone in their households,” Woolley said. “People know that people sneak away and play games on the Internet. They don’t want them to bet the house on it.”

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Even with the opposition from voters, Woolley says special interests are making a big push for the online gaming legislation and he anticipates it will be approved.

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