From: Bill Kearney
Massachusetts ‘GAMING’ Future
‘BET IT UP SCOTTY’
‘BET IT UP SCOTTY’
NJ Senate OKs portable gambling devices at casinos
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - In their desire to help Atlantic City's struggling casinos, state lawmakers have tried a number of different approaches: cutting red tape, redirecting millions of dollars to the gambling houses and considering new forms of gambling.
One of those new forms moved a step closer to reality on Thursday when the state Senate approved a bill allowing gamblers to use handheld devices to make bets while on the grounds of the casinos. The bill authorizes their use in areas such as a casino's outdoor pool or recreation areas or in lounges or hotel rooms.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. James Whelan, the former mayor of Atlantic City, who noted that Nevada already allows such devices.
"We have to be willing to change with the times in order to remain competitive against an ever-growing field of competitors," he said. "Not only do (the devices) provide an enjoyable experience for casino patrons, but they expand casino revenues and offer a new gaming attraction for visitors more interested in the resort side of the casino experience. Authorizing casinos in New Jersey to adopt this new technology puts the casino industry in Atlantic City on an even competitive field as casinos in Las Vegas when it comes to mobile gaming within the casino premises."
The state Division of Gaming Enforcement would have to verify that the devices wouldn't work beyond the physical boundaries of the casino property.
Gamblers would have to establish a mobile betting account with the casino and all bets would have to be paid on casino grounds.
A vote in the state Assembly hasn't yet been scheduled, but a spokesman said it's expected soon.
Supporters say the devices would give casinos another tool to engage younger gamblers who have grown up with smartphones and tablet computers.
Nevada approved hand-held gambling devices in 2006, allowing them in public areas of casinos. But they can't be used in hotel rooms, where they couldn't as easily be monitored to make sure underage people aren't using them to gamble. Whelan's bill doesn't prohibit hotel use.
David Rebuck, director of the gaming enforcement division, says he's confident New Jersey could come up with regulations to ensure the integrity of the devices, as well as the ability to keep them out of the hands of children.
The Casino Association of New Jersey backs the bill, saying it "would authorize the use of the evolving technology of secure mobile gaming devices to permit casino patrons to participate in gaming activities from additional locations within each casino hotel facility."
The association added: "This innovation would provide an additional amenity to help Atlantic City further distinguish itself as the East Coast's premier gaming destination."
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/20120531_ap_njsenateoksportablegamblingdevicesatcasinos.html?c=r#ixzz1wXgmG7ol
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