New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill that would raise penalties for sportsbooks that take bets on prohibited games under the state’s sports betting law, such as college games played by state schools.
The bill has already been approved by a state Assembly panel and would raise fines 10 times higher than has previously been meted out by regulators. Fines would range from $20,000 to $100, 000 under the bill.
Sportsbooks in violation would also have to pay an additional fine equal to the total amount of prohibited bets they accepted and could have their sports betting license suspended for 10 days.
“We must provide the proper and necessary oversight to ensure that our state’s holders of sports wagering licenses abide by the laws set forth,” Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, the bill’s main sponsor said in a press release. “We want New Jersey’s sports and race gaming industry to succeed, and in order for us to do this, we must guarantee that everyone plays fairly by the rules, and that if people break those rules, they are punished accordingly.”
According to the Associated Press, The Golden Nugget and Caesars Entertainment were penalized last fall for taking prohibited bets. Caesars was fined $2,000 for taking bets on a Rutgers-Kansas football game in September, and Golden Nugget forfeited $390 in bets that it took on numerous college games involving New Jersey teams.
State law prohibits wagers on college teams from New Jersey, regardless of where the game is played, or on college games that take place within the state. Other prohibited events include all high school athletics, eSports and competitive video games, according to the AP.
Under the bill, fines would be imposed either by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the New Jersey Racing Commission depending on whether the offense happened at a casino or racetrack.
In another sports betting story, Tropicana Atlantic City is the latest New Jersey casino to open a permanent sportsbook on property.
The William Hill Sports Book is located on the North Tower casino floor adjacent to Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House & Sports Bar.
“We are thrilled to bring our guests more exciting experiences with the addition of our brand-new sportsbook,” said Eldorado Resorts Eastern Regional Senior Vice President of Operations Steve Callender in a news release. “This venue will bring a new level of fun and entertainment to Tropicana, and truly sets us apart from the other sportsbooks in the city.”
Tropicana joins the Ocean Resort in having opened its permanent sportsbook facility. Most other city casinos have been operating temporary facilities while permanent on-site sportsbooks are being constructed.
According to Tropicana, the 5,000-square-foot interactive space offers an immersive sports betting experience with 1,654 square feet of video display to show up to 16 games at one time. The space also features eight betting windows, including one high-limit window, and 180 seats, including bar and lounge style seating. Elevated VIP seating is also offered.
The casino opened the lounged with the help of former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski. The former quarterback is an owner in the city’s new Arena Football League team and marked the occasion to announce the new name for the franchise—The Blackjacks.
“Sports betting has been an incredible addition to Tropicana,” Callender said at the ceremony. “Guests are not only coming to experience the sportsbook. They are also staying in the hotel, dining at our restaurants and enjoying all our non-gaming amenities. We expect to see these positive effects continue with the addition of our permanent location.”
