Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Ruben Ramos, Jr. to modernize gaming in Atlantic City by incorporating 21st century technology was approved by an Assembly panel on Monday.
“In order to remain attractive to visitors and competitive with neighboring states, it’s important that Atlantic City keep up with the latest innovations and trends,” said Burzichelli (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “This move will allow visitors to enjoy gaming while they’re taking advantage of other attractions that the casino hotels have to offer. It’s a smart 21st century adaptation on the part of the casinos.”
The bill (A-2575) would make various changes to the law governing casino gaming in New Jersey, chief among them would be allowing casinos to offer electronic versions of authorized games to be played on mobile gaming devices in any area located within the property boundaries of the casino hotel facility, including the swimming pool area and any outdoor recreation area, provided that the mobile gaming must not extend outside of the property boundaries of the casino hotel facility.
“With all of the increasing attractions in Atlantic City, this is a great way to appease everyone,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “If a couple or a group of friends go down and somebody wants to lounge by the pool, or take in a show or dinner, those who want to take advantage of gaming attractions can now have it at their fingertips so they don’t have to miss out on any of the action. In order to position Atlantic City to remain competitive with neighboring states, we need to embrace the future.”
The bill would also amend the definition of “gross revenue” under regulation to allow casinos to offer items such as cars, iPads or other popular items to entice people to New Jersey casinos. The legislation would also restore language which would allow casinos to compensate a junket enterprise based upon the actual casino gaming or simulcast wagering activities of a patron procured or referred by the junket enterprise.
The measure was approved by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.