As New Jersey’s online gambling bill inches toward a signing session with Governor Chris Christie, state regulators are busy nailing down the cracks through which potentially underage gamers might try to slip. Among those who’ve expressed confidence in the matter are the people at the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, more commonly known as iMEGA.
“Right now,” says iMEGA Chairman Joe Brennan Jr, “all the technology required is being used by European casino websites. Suppliers of age verification software will be able to open up US divisions and supply the US marketplace with proven technology.
“New Jersey’s regulators are in a position to become the de facto primary regulators for iGaming in the U.S. much in the same way Nevada regulators are in the casino based industry. New Jersey regulators are the toughest in the world. Those who can make it through the process will increase their value and the value of the industry itself.”
Labeled as S490, the legalization bill has seen relatively little resistance from the state’s caretakers. If passed, it will be a landmark decision in American Gaming.
iMEGA also claims that, because of the extra scrutiny given to the online scene, underage gamers are more likely to slip undetected into a brick and mortar establishment than they are to earn a seat in most of the high-end internet gaming sites.
Because of their unique situation, New Jersey’s government will now have the opportunity to closely regulate those to whom licenses are granted. Said David Pope, Marketing Director for 192business.com, “Both the regulators and their licensees will certainly be able to draw on expertise built up in jurisdictions in Europe and beyond. In terms of what that might mean to the operators who get licenses, the good news is that yes, the technology does exist, it’s proven and tested and will help operators acquire age-verified legitimate players.”