New Jersey issues final set of regulations

They replace “emergency rules” that had been in effect since the governor signed the Legislature’s casino regulatory-reform bill into law in February.

The latest regulations include technical standards for slot machines, casino computer systems and other gaming devices. They also streamline the procedures for casino credit, wire transfers and cash deposits. Moreover, they include protections for both the customers and casinos against cheating.

David Rebuck, acting director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement, said the new rules will allow the casino industry to react to emerging changes in technology without jeopardizing the integrity of the games. “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,” he said in a statement.

Christie and the Legislature changed the gaming regulations to aid a us$ 3.6 billion industry that’s been hurt by the shaky economy and competition from casinos in surrounding states. A governor’s advisory panel estimated that regulatory reform will save Atlantic City’s casinos us$ 15 million to us$ 25 million annually by discarding onerous and outdated rules.
Reiterating some of the governor’s earlier comments, Rebuck predicted that the regulatory changes would help to revitalize Atlantic City and “return it to its position as the premier gaming market on the East Coast.”

New Jersey is moving toward a less-stringent, Las Vegas-style regulatory system. Atlantic City gaming executives have repeatedly said the reforms will eliminate cumbersome rules, give them more freedom to manage their businesses and help them to compete against rival casinos in neighboring states.