The Irish link to America’s online gambling renaissance
New Jersey's embrace of online gambling was influenced by its significant Irish-American population and historical ties to Irish culture.Summary
New Jersey became the first state to pursue online gambling after a 2011 referendum, driven by a desire to revitalize Atlantic City and generate tax revenue. This move coincided with the rise of fantasy sports operators like DraftKings and FanDuel expanding into online casinos. A significant, often overlooked, factor in this renaissance is the strong Irish-American presence in New Jersey, particularly in the 'Irish Riviera' of Monmouth and Ocean counties. Irish cultural symbols are prevalent in the iGaming industry, and the phrase “luck of the Irish” originated with Irish immigrants during the American gold rush. Irish laborers played a crucial role in building Atlantic City, and Irish-Americans like Richard Boyse Osborne and Nucky Johnson were instrumental in its early development. The Irish Riviera voted overwhelmingly in favor of the 2011 gambling referendum, and Governor Phil Murphy, who frequently highlights his Irish heritage, led the final push against the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA).
(Source：Irishcentral)