Following it’s introduction of  online gambling legislation, New Jersey has started to issue permits to land based casinos to offer gambling online. So far, 5 of these permits have been issued, with the bulk of the permits expected to be issued by the first week of November. These will include permits for payment processors, operators and other ancillary service providers, and about 70 are expected to be issued.

The Tropicana Casino and Resort was the fifth operator to receive a permit, joining The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort and Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino.

The two big names yet to receive a permit are Caesar’s Entertainment and The Resorts Casino Hotel.

Caesar’s, who own four casinos in the state, have teamed up In New Jersey with 888 Holdings to use the software that is known around the world under the 888 brand. The resorts Casino Hotel however has teamed up with global poker giant PokerStars, to use what is widely considered as the best poker software available for their New Jersey offering.

The deal between Resorts and PokerStars has been under some scrutiny, including comments from the American Gaming Association’s assertions that PokerStars is not a fit provider for the State following the issues stemming from “Black Friday”.

The Tropicana has partnered up with Gamesys, an award winning European gaming software provider. Gamesys was the first company to offer real money gambling through Facebook in a UK only operation back in 2012. This is their first move into the US market.

Tony Rodio, Tropicana’s President and CEO told the associated press that “Both Tropicana and Gamesys are looking forward to introducing our customers to a new level of gaming through its online offerings, which will both entertain and raise the bar in gaming experience,”

Actual gaming is expected to start on a test group basis on the 21st of November. the first providers test cycle is expected to last five days, with those that pass having gaming available by the 26th.

Subject to at least one provider meeting all the requirements by this date, players within the borders of New Jersey will be able to play from the 26th onwards.

From what we understand, providers that are not up and running by the 26th are not out of the running, as some investigations and verifications may take longer than others, and more are expected to go live following the initial roll out.