Bill > A2578

This bill authorizes licensed Atlantic City casinos to offer Internet gaming, which is defined as placing wagers with a casino licensee using a computer network, provided the player has established a wagering account and is physically located within New Jersey, and all gaming activity occurs on servers and computer equipment located within the casino premises. The bill amends existing laws to include "Internet gaming" within the definition of "authorized game" and expands the definition of "casino" to include areas where Internet gaming is conducted. It also clarifies that "casino service industry enterprises" include vendors providing goods or services for Internet gaming, such as software suppliers. The legislation establishes regulations for Internet gaming, including requirements for player accounts, verification of physical presence in the state, and reporting of suspicious transactions. It also imposes a 15% tax on Internet gaming gross revenues, with specific provisions for the investment alternative tax, and mandates annual reports on the impact of Internet gaming on problem gamblers. The bill also includes provisions for licensing, regulation, and enforcement of Internet gaming by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (the "division") and the Casino Control Commission (the "commission"), with specific rules regarding equipment location, security, and player controls to prevent underage gambling and assist problem gamblers. The authorization for Internet gaming will expire 10 years after its operative date unless reauthorized by law.