Nevada Legalizes Online Gambling

Rushes to beat New Jersey to the punch

Gov. Brian Sandoval signed legislation Thursday legalizing online gambling in Nevada, capping a dizzying day at the Legislature as lawmakers passed the bill through the Assembly and Senate as an emergency measure.

Nevada wanted to beat New Jersey, its East Coast casino rival, to the online gambling punch. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie previously vetoed an online wagering bill but has indicated he may sign an amended version next week.

The measure makes Nevada the first state in the country to approve interstate online gaming, notes CBS Las Vegas affiliate KLAS-TV, adding that it was put on the fast track Thursday. Senate and Assembly judiciary committees approved it, sending it to the Assembly where it passed unanimously. The Senate passed it at midday and sent it to the governor's desk for signature.