Nobody can argue that the state of New Jersey isn’t taking its online gambling plans seriously.
With just under a week before online gambling is officially launched, the state is leaving no stones unturned on its preparations for its big day, which is why those living close to the state’s borders shouldn’t be surprised to find out that they may not be able to access online gambling unless they move farther away from the state’s demarcation lines.
A part of the technology the state is putting in place to ensure that anybody who gambles online is physically within New Jersey’s borders is to set up digital fences, or in equally confusing terms, “no-play zones” within the state. The whole thing is like a buffer zone for the state that lets it safeguard its online gambling laws and uphold one of the most important parts of the said law: keep all of its players playing within the state.
For those living in the middle of the state, or at least out of distance from any borders with New York, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, these digital fences shouldn’t be a pose to much of a hassle. But anybody within a good distance of these borders are likely to experience some difficulties and freeze them out of any action unless they play somewhere farther from the border.
It’s definitely a hassle, but one the state is arguing as essential if it hopes to uphold its laws. “Unfortunately for some people, there may not be sufficient verification that they are in New Jersey — even if they are — and they’ll be denied,” said David Rebuck, director of the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, as quoted by The Associated Press.
“It’s an unavoidable consequence.”
These digital fences are also being set up to ensure that casinos are protected from potential fines that would come if any o them are found to have allowed somebody to gamble illegally. Some top executives from the Atlantic City casinos seem to be in agreement that erring on the side of caution is the best way to deal with this potential issue. There will be some collateral damage, especially from those living close to the borders, but ultimately, it’s a way to ensure that the state’s online gambling laws are protected and nobody gets in trouble for violating it.
“No one can afford to risk that,” Ultimate Gaming CEO Tobin Prior said.
State regulators will be paying close attention to how these digital fences work when the state begins its five-day, invitation-only trial run of online gambling tomorrow. Should the system go according to plan, expect it to be permanently put in place once online gambling is officially launched next week.
