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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, the Chairman of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, which allows casinos to offer mobile gaming within their premises, and makes other changes to the casino regulatory structure was signed into law today by Governor Christie.

“New Jersey’s casinos are the economic engine of South Jersey, and we need to give them the regulatory flexibility to adapt to new technologies and new practices within the larger nationwide industry,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “We’ve already seen handheld, mobile gaming devices being successfully implemented at facilities in Las Vegas, and now these gaming devices will be coming soon to casinos in Atlantic City. By keeping pace with new technology and new advances in gaming, we can make sure that Atlantic City is on a level competitive field with our main competitor to the West.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, the Chairman of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, which would allow casinos to offer mobile gaming within their premises, and would make other changes to the casino regulatory structure was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 37-1, receiving final legislative approval.

“Casino gaming is the lifeblood of South Jersey’s economy, and we have to be willing to adapt in order to survive,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “Handheld, mobile gaming devices have already been adopted in Las Vegas, and allow casinos the opportunity to extend the gaming floor to anywhere within their premises. By authorizing New Jersey casinos to take advantage of this new technology, we’re putting Atlantic City’s casino industry on an even competitive field with our competitor to the West.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, the Chairman of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, which would allow casinos to offer mobile gaming within their premises, and would make other changes to the casino regulatory structure was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 34-0.

“When it comes to casino gaming in Atlantic City, we have to be willing to change with the times in order to remain competitive against an ever-growing field of competitors,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “Mobile, handheld games of chance have already been adopted in Las Vegas, and not only do they provide an enjoyable experience for casino patrons, but they expand casino revenues and offer a new gaming attraction for visitors more interested in the resort-side of the casino experience. Authorizing casinos in New Jersey to adopt this new technology puts the casino industry in Atlantic City on an even competitive field as casinos in Las Vegas when it comes to mobile gaming within the casino premises.”

TRENTON – A pair of bills sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, the Chairman of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, which would allow casinos to offer mobile gaming within their premises, and would create a tax credit program for non-gaming development projects in Atlantic City were approved by the Committee today.

“Atlantic City is the economic engine of South Jersey and much of the State’s tourism-based economy, and we have to be willing, from time to time, to revisit regulations and laws which may limit the resort’s appeal and national competitiveness,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “By tweaking current laws, we can give casinos more regulatory freedom to offer diverse gaming opportunities to their patrons, and can ensure that the State is doing its part to encourage non-gaming development within the designated tourism zone within Atlantic City. These bills, taken as a whole, will make it easier to attract new investment in Atlantic City – gaming and otherwise – and will make it easier for Atlantic City to be one of the major resort destinations along the East Coast.”