Atlantic City Soon To Enjoy Mobile Gambling

Players who know Atlantic City for its vibrant casinos will be able very soon to enjoy their favorite games while sun-bathing by the swimming pool or standing in line at the dinner buffet.

Gov. Chris Christie has approved the introduction of new forms of gaming, including mobile casino gambling on hand-held devices.  Note that mobile gaming enthusiasts will have to play while on the casino’s property.

Assemblyman John Burzichelli, a Democrat from West Deptford and the co-sponsor of the bill signed by Governor Christie, indicated that mobile gaming is a “smart adaptation” of the new advances in technology that will help casinos stay competitive in an industry that’s already crammed with options.

Supporters suggested that mobile devices are likely to render gains for the casinos which are struggling in tough economic times.

Governor Christie, who is in favor of making Atlantic City’s casinos the center of attention once again, signed the bill in the privacy of his office, without any pomp and circumstance.

Another sponsor, Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. of Hoboken, commented that for Atlantic City to remain at the center of attention and stay competitive, the future needs to be “embraced.”

Today’s laws let casinos feature electronic versions of the games which can now be played on mobile devices only within the boundaries of the casino’s property or the casino hotel’s facility.  The devices will be handed out to customers once they establish a pre-paid account with the casino.  The mobile hand-sets will also remain under the casino’s ownership.

Nevada has approved mobile gambling since 2006 and its laws allow for hand-held device gaming solely in the casino’s public areas.

The Division of Gaming Enforcement of the State will now have to introduce new legislation to ensure the integrity of the apparatus and to make certain no under-age individuals will have access to the mobile casinos games and devices.

The Division’s director made a few suggestions including discouraging underage gaming by requiring that a PIN number be punched in every number of minutes.

These changes are a breath of fresh air for Atlantic City after having experienced a five-year decrease in revenue due to the introduction of casino gambling in the state of Pennsylvania.