November 7, 2011
Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces Publication of Final Set of New Regulations in the New Jersey Register
ATLANTIC CITY – The final three chapters of rule proposals, which cover gaming operation accounting controls and standards, gaming equipment, and the rules of the gambling games played in Atlantic City casinos, were published today in the New Jersey Register. Also published, was a notice of temporary adoption which enacts the rules as of November 14 for a maximum of 270 days.
With these regulations, the Division completed its response to the regulatory reforms of S-12 and to the Governor’s initiatives to revitalize Atlantic City as a casino gaming destination resort and to return it to its position as the premier gaming market on the East Coast.
“Making our regulatory process work was one of my highest priorities when I was appointed by Governor Christie.” said Acting Director David Rebuck. “Our focus was and continues to be on streamlining regulation while maintaining public confidence and trust in the integrity of the regulatory process and casino operations.”
The rules proposed for adoption benefit the casino industry by providing the casinos with a logical, systematic framework for conducting operations, and by protecting against unlawful diversion of a casino's assets. The proposed repeal and new rules will also benefit the public in assuring fairness to the player, encouraging participation, preventing cheating and protecting casinos and patrons against unfair play. These safeguards have generated a reputation for honesty and integrity for the Atlantic City casino industry.
Some of the specific changes include making gaming vouchers deductible upon issuance; streamlining the procedures for credit, wire transfers and front money deposits; setting forth technical standards for slot machines, casino computer systems, and other gaming devices; permitting the use of cards which have been pre-shuffled by the manufacturer; allowing greater use of temporary storage facilities for cards and dice on the casino floor; allowing deposits of electronic credits; and specifically authorizing tournaments of skill games so long as an element of chance is present.
The Division used the regulatory reform changes as an opportunity to prepare for new and different forms of gaming play not available before to the industry and accounted for advancements in surveillance and technology. The resulting regulations continue to ensure the integrity and fairness of gaming products while at the same time acknowledging the varying business needs of a licensee.
“We will continue to take an aggressive approach in evaluating ways to adapt the regulations to meet the needs of the industry and the ongoing advancements in technology without in any way compromising confidence in gaming operations,” said Rebuck.
Anyone interested in reviewing the new regulations can go to www.njdge.org . Public comments will be accepted through January 6, 2012. The procedures for commenting are noted on all of the proposals in the New Jersey Register.
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