Licenses In New Jersey
Importantly, the licenses from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement cover only specific types of gambling products. The following are the gambling products currently covered by New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement:
- Poker
- Horse racing
- Casino Games
- Slot machines and other machine games
- Mobile gaming
- Bingo – online versions only
- Lottery
- Keno
All of these gambling products are available online and on-land, however casinos who want to have an online site must also have an on-land license first.
One of the main aims of licencing bodies is to accrue tax revenue. The land-based casino tax rate is set at 8%, the tax rate set on online gaming gross revenue is set at 15%.
Ultimately this raises a significant sum of money for the state of New Jersey. For example, in 2017 there was a total of $ 316,805000 raised in gambling taxation.
What Does the Licensing Mean For Players?
Aside from the financial regulations that licencing places upon casinos, allowing states or national governments to levy tax, there are also important consequences for players themselves.
Player Protection
One of the main aims of the regulation is to make way for better player protection.
There are a number of ways that the licensing does this, but one of the most significant is the Technical Services Bureau of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
The Technical Services Bureau is a division of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement which ensures the integrity of electronic equipment, e.g. land-based slot machines, but also the security, safety, and fairness of internet gaming.
The divide themselves into four units, each of which is responsible for specific aspects of player protection.
Responsible Gambling
All licensing bodies ensure that their licences follow strict rules curtailing the irresponsible gambling and the promotion of irresponsible gambling, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement is no exception here.
Firstly, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement operate a self-exclusion programme, which has been in operation since 2001.
This program allows players to nominate to forfeit their right to gamble and will exclude them from placing any wagers or collecting any winnings from online and on-land casinos.
Players can sign up to be on the list in-person, and since 2013 are also capable of signing up online for online exclusion too. The licensees are required to not issue these players winnings or allow them to wager.
In addition to self-exclusion, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement also have exclusion policies for people such as ‘career of professional offenders, [and] cheats or criminal offenders’. The same rules apply; however, these excluded players are not able to revoke their exclusion orders.
What Casinos Currently Operate Under A New Jersey Casino Licence?
One should not only know how precisely the licences operate and what strictures they place on the casinos, but one should also be aware of the casinos which currently hold them.
There are only a small number of companies with online licenses to operate in New Jersey, however these companies generate a significant portion of tax revenue for the state: from 1978 – 2017, the gross tax revenue from casino gaming is $13,433,804000.
Whilst internet gaming tax revue only goes back to 2013, all but two of these licence holders have more than one licensed web-address which generate that revenue.
The following are the seven authorised sites in New Jersey:
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – ten licensed websites.
- Caesars Interactive Entertainment (Affiliate of Boardwalk Regency Corporation) – six licenced websites.
- Golden Nugget Atlantic City – five licensed websites.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – one licensed website.
- Ocean Resort Casino – one licensed website.
- Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City – four licensed websites.
- Tropicana Casino Resort Atlantic City – two licensed websites.
Navigating the World of Online Casino Licensing: Insights for UK NetEnt Game Fans
As an aficionado of NetEnt games in the UK, it’s crucial to understand the differences between various gambling licenses, such as those issued by New Jersey and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This knowledge not only ensures compliance with legal norms but also guarantees a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
When comparing the New Jersey license with the UKGC, the most striking difference lies in their jurisdictional scope. The New Jersey license, regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, is specific to operators within New Jersey, USA, and adheres to American gambling laws. In contrast, the UKGC license is tailored to meet the UK’s legal requirements, offering a more relevant framework for UK residents.
The UKGC is renowned for its stringent regulations, particularly in aspects of player protection, game fairness, and responsible gambling practices. UKGC-licensed casinos, offering NetEnt games, are obligated to adhere to these high standards, ensuring a secure and fair environment for UK players. This includes adherence to self-exclusion schemes like GAMSTOP and rigorous checks for responsible gambling.
While New Jersey also values player protection, its policies and regulations are shaped by different legislative frameworks. Therefore, for UK players, a UKGC license is more indicative of a casino’s commitment to meeting the specific legal and ethical standards set by the UK government.
In summary, for UK fans of NetEnt games, choosing a UKGC-licensed casino is a wise decision. It aligns with local legal requirements and ensures a gaming environment that is both safe and enjoyable. While other licenses like New Jersey’s are credible, they cater to a different jurisdiction and may not offer the same level of reassurance and protection as the UKGC does for UK-based players.