New Jersey tells would-be sports betting operators: ‘Apply for gaming licence now’
DGE director David Rebuck tells operators to prepare for the potential invalidation of PASPA
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has urged companies looking to offer sports betting in the state to apply for a gaming service licence now.
DGE director David Rebuck said at ICE last week that interested parties should apply for gaming licences immediately or risk being left behind, and the regulator doubled down on those comments on Thursday, despite the ongoing Supreme Court case.
Rebuck told ESPN: “The DGE recognizes it needs to be prepared to investigate and license businesses and individuals seeking to enter the New Jersey gaming market should the Supreme Court issue a favorable decision authorizing the state to legalize and regulate sports wagering.”
“Under existing law, any business or individual anticipating entering into a commercial transaction with a casino must be licensed or approved by the Division. Many companies have inquired as to the State’s licensing requirements in the event they are able to engage in sports wagering operations with our casino industry. The Division has encouraged these companies to commence the application process.”
The licence in question is the Ancillary Casino Service Industry Enterprise (ACSIE) license, which essentially gives companies the right to provide services to casinos.
New Jersey cannot yet licence sports betting operators or providers.
The Supreme Court decision is expected some time in H1, with no specific date set.
A ruling could trigger a massive expansion of US sports betting, with up to 20 states having introduced some kind of bill to regulate betting should the federal ban be removed.
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming’s base case for the US regulated sports betting market projects 32 states offering betting by 2023 with annual revenues of $6bn.