Leading gaming testing company Gaming Laboratories International has spent more than $32,000 lobbying New Jersey lawmakers to become the state’s preferred independent testing lab in replacement of the current lab operated by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, according to a report in the Press of Atlantic City.
According to the report, GLI, based in Lakewood, New Jersey, has told state lawmakers it can produce better results than the DGE’s lab in Atlantic City, which performs testing on slot machines, sports betting products and online gaming.
The article quotes state Election Law Enforcement Commission documents stating that GLI paid a public affairs firm $32,508 for lobbying efforts, and GLI officials met with the in the office of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to “explain their company and how they will help save (New Jersey) money and stream line the state testing lab.”
In an interview with the Press, Kevin Mullally, vice president of government relations and general counsel for GLI, denied the company is attempting to replace the DGE testing. “We don’t have an agenda at this point,” Mullally said. “We’re just figuring out where the new administration is going… We haven’t advocated for any legislation, haven’t asked for any rule changes. With a new governor, we just really wanted to be informed about what’s going on.”
Murphy was sworn in as governor in January, succeeding Chris Christie.
