The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is considering adopting new rules that involves casino and racetrack operators reporting on regulated gaming in markets outside the Garden State. The public comment period for the new regulations ended earlier this week.
The changes are largely technical updates to the regulatory language to reflect recent gaming expansion in the state, such as sports betting at racetracks. However, the most substantial change would increase the reporting requirements for operators who also conduct gaming activities outside of New Jersey.
Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), an organization made up of casino workers, also used the public comment period to suggest non-smoking requirements for Atlantic City casinos, although there’s no indication that such a licensing condition is likely to be adopted.
What could change for brick-and-mortar operators
The DGE wants to know what its license-holders are doing outside the Garden State, in terms of gambling. That means it is increasing the reporting requirements.
Atlantic City casino operators already had to report unregulated gambling activity in other markets. But now the DGE is considering that operators also disclose regulated gambling in other jurisdictions. The DGE’s proposed rules define a new term, “foreign gaming,” according to a Law and Public Safety document:
“Foreign gaming shall mean the conduct of gaming outside of New Jersey in any country or political subdivision thereof and in any state or political subdivision of the United States, including tribal jurisdictions.”
In addition, the DGE would want notice within seven days of a licensee starting or stopping foreign gaming in another market. Operators would also have to disclose any subpoena they receive from authorities outside of the state, on a similar timeline.
“The rulemaking also clarifies that certain matters of note, such as the receipt of a criminal grand jury subpoena by a casino or racetrack sports wagering licensee, must be reported within a set time to DGE.”
Considering these changes means the DGE wants to keep tabs on the activity of its operators, even if it’s in other states.
CEASE used public comment period for non-smoking fight
The Law and Public Safety document did not contain anything related to smoking. However, CEASE and Americans for Non-Smokers’ Rights (ANR) pleaded with the DGE to require smoke-free policies inside Atlantic City casinos.
Cynthia Hallett, President and CEO of ANR, said in a statement:
“Ensuring that all casinos are smoke-free would ensure workers aren’t forced to choose between their livelihood and their health, and it would give patrons a chance to enjoy the Atlantic City experience without inhaling harmful toxins. We urge the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to make smoke-free policies a key part of the licensing process for all casinos in Atlantic City.”
CEASE co-founders and table games dealers, Nicole Vitola, Pete Naccarelli and Lamont White, made similar comments as Hallet.
The DGE declined comment to PlayNJ on whether or not it would look into implementing smoke-free policies in Atlantic City casinos.
Most of the modifications the DGE is considering are reporting regulations for its licensees. However, CEASE and ANR felt it was a good opportunity to continue their fight for non-smoking casinos.
