New Jersey warning to illegal operators
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) has upped its efforts to tackle illegal gaming activities in the state, warning affiliates of the consequences for unlicensed operations.
New Jersey is one of only a handful of states that has legalised online gaming and has handed out an array of licences to enable operators to offer such services.
The state has also recently legalised sports betting after the Supreme Court repealed PASPA, but illegal operations across both of these markets remain a problem for the regulator.
However, the NJDGE is taking more action to clamp down on the issue, writing to unlicensed affiliates to threaten them with legal action, according to a copy of the letter obtained by Online Poker Report.
The letter states: “This letter shall serve as official notice that your website, by offering unauthorised gaming links, is promoting activity that is contrary to New Jersey and federal law. We request that you immediately remove any online gaming links that are not authorised under federal law or the law of any State.
“The division will not license or register any company that is promoting illegal sites, as this activity negatively affects that company’s good character, honesty, and integrity.”
The move comes after NJDGE last month David Rebuck revealed at a committee hearing that the regulator had identified more than 100 offshore sites that were illegally offering services in the state.
New Jersey has established itself as the online gaming pioneer in the US, offering both internet poker and casino services, as well as now sports betting.
Speaking last week, Rebuck said: “The illegal market is massive in the US. And it has been for a long time, stunningly to us.
“In the US market, anybody can take two seconds to open their cell phone and search their state or tribe. And type in, ‘How do I place a sports wagering bet in Nebraska?’…It’ll instantly take you to an illegal website.
“And that website could be readily accessible. Within a short time, you’ll be able to open an account and commence wagering.”