All operating casinos in Atlantic City have applied for an online gambling permit, it was announced after the deadline for applications on 30 June expired. In the last few days Betfair and Poker Stars have announced tie-ups with Trump Plaza and Resorts Casino respectively. Non-US egaming companies wanteing to tie-up with land-based resorts have until the 29th of July to file their applications. The Borgata, which is co-owned by Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment were among the first casinos to declare their intention to team up with an online gaming provider.
Atlantic City has a total of 12 casinos and they all filed documentation to New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), hoping to secure a permit prior to the official launch of online casinos in November. The earliest date set for the launch of Internet gambling is 23 November but regulators are indicating that this could be delayed until 2014.
In February, New Jersey joined Nevada and Delaware to become the third state to legalise online gambling. However, New Jersey will allow many more forms of gambling compared to Nevada, for instance, where only poker is allowed.
Analysts estimate that while Nevada’s Internet gambling market could generate annual revenue of between $50 million and $250 million, projections for New Jersey far exceed these estimates, with expectations varying from $500 million to $1 billion per year.