DGE Confirms: New Jersey Online Gambling Live at 9:00am November 26th
That’s the official word from New Jersey gambling regulators.
Sources at the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) confirm that the state’s casinos have been notified that those with permits to conduct online gambling will be allowed to do so starting at 9:00AM EST on November 26th, 2013.
Onus now on operators to be ready for launch
What’s the practical impact of this announcement? As I read it, the DGE is basically saying that their systems for licensing and oversight are in place. The regulatory structure for online gambling is there.
And now it’s up to operators to hold up their end in terms of meeting the standards and requirements set by regulators.
Operators must complete soft-play period first
The DGE also revealed a new wrinkle in the launch requirements for online operators: They must complete what the DGE is calling a “soft-play period” prior to launching for real-money play:
- The soft-play period is basically a beta test limited to “invited patrons.”
- It’s not clear if the soft-play test will be for real money or play money – the DGE only says it’s meant to “resemble full Internet gaming.”
- The period must be at least 5 days long. SO to launch on the 26th for real-money gambling, your soft play period could start – at the very latest – on or about November 21st.
Could the launch date still change?
In theory, yes. But this is by far the most definitive statement from New Jersey regulators regarding their intention to launch on November 26th.
Final regulations for New Jersey online gambling now posted
The DGE today also posted the final version of the regulations that will control real-money online gambling in New Jersey.
Official publication of the regulations takes place October 21st.
Most are effective October 1st, some on the 28th. But regardless, the launch date for regulated online gambling in New Jersey remains fixed on November 26th.
Approved operators will be posted on Division of Gaming Enforcement’s website
If you’re curious about what operators are going to be a part of online gambling in New Jersey, keep an eye on the DGE’s website.
A list of the URLs associated with approved operators (updated on a rolling basis) will be maintained at that site. Once we locate the specific page where this list will be housed, we’ll update.
