Resorts Casino Receives Transactional Waiver from New Jersey DGE for Real Money Gaming
Resorts Casino Hotel, the first casino to open in the state of New Jersey, is jumping into the iGaming mix. Earlier this week, Resorts was granted a transactional waiver by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which will allow them to launch www.ResortsCasino.com, a real-money online casino platform in partnership with Sportech NYX Gaming LLC.
"As New Jersey’s first casino destination, Resorts is committed to delivering the best-in-class online gaming experience in the Garden State by partnering with gaming leaders, including SNG Interactive, which houses Sportech and NYX Gaming Group," said Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, a Mohegan Sun property. "With SNG's flexible gaming solutions and exclusive game content, we’re excited to introduce Europe’s industry-leading casino slots and table games to the United States market for the best online user experience."
By being granted a transactional waiver, the DGE is certifying that both the provider and the operator are in compliance and provisionally permitted to offer real-money online gaming to those in the Garden State. Resorts' online casino is expected to launch later this month and will "feature the largest selection of casino slots and table games in the state of New Jersey as well as exclusive titles and highly coveted content that are unavailable anywhere else."
Resorts, will be the fifth casino in Atlantic City — which is down to eight properties — to offer an online gaming platform. Resorts currently ranks last in revenue in Atlantic City, brining in a reported $139.3 million in 2014. Others properties that currently offer iGaming services are Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget and Tropicana. Ultimate Gaming, which previously partnered with Trump Taj Mahal, pulled out of the New Jersey market back in September before shutting down all together two months later.
Patrons will be able to safely and securely deposit funds into their online accounts through online bank transfers, electronic bank transfers, MasterCard and Visa, or by visiting the Resorts Casino Cage on property. Before that happens, www.ResortsCasino.com will hold a week-long testing period, which will offer free games, while the DGE completes its testing of the site including geo-restriction services, player verification, and payment processing. If successful, Resorts will be granted a full license.
Resorts Casino Hotel, which brought gaming to Atlantic City in 1978, partnered with the Rational Group, the parent company of PokerStars, back in July of 2013. Since then the Rational Group, which has since been acquired by Amaya, has been seeking a license in New Jersey, though have faced numerous roadblocks. Most recently, rumors surfaced that Gov. Chris Christie was holding up the review process at the behest of Republican super donor Sheldon Adelson.
It appears the latest developments won't have an impact on PokerStars' existing relationship with Resorts.
"We plan to launch our real money online casino with more than 100 games. And in our first year of entertaining players, that number will jump to 300. That’s on top of the poker games that will be offered by PokerStars and Full Tilt," Resorts says on their FAQ page. "Resorts has built an exclusive relationship with PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, two of the most popular and powerful online gaming brands in the world. This means Resorts will be providing New Jersey with the best online casino and poker sites with the industry’s most competitive products."
Eric Hollreiser, Head of Corp Communications for Amaya Inc. and PokerStars, confirmed as much when contacted by PokerNews.
"We're happy to see Resorts preparing to launch its online presence as it has always planned," Hollreiser said. "Amaya continues to work with the DGE toward approval to bring PokerStars to New Jersey. We remain in partnership with Resorts and looks forward to launching PokerStars following DGE approval."
*Lead photo courtesy of hotels.com.
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PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
