Internet gambling was legalized in New Jersey in 2013 and authorized for a 10-year period, set to expire in November. Bill S-3075 would extend that another 10 years, to 2033.

“The legalization of online gambling and sports betting was a catalyst for struggling casinos in the aftermath of the Great Recession,” said bill sponsor Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, in a statement. “In places like Atlantic City, internet gaming has created a number of good paying jobs for workers as well as generating millions of dollars in tax revenues for the state.”

Internet gambling brought in nearly $159 million in April in New Jersey, up more than 16% from a year earlier. Generally, internet gaming has become increasingly profitable in New Jersey, even as in-person gambling in Atlantic City has slowed.

A similar bill in the Assembly was referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday. That bill is co-sponsored by Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift, both R-Atlantic.