New Jersey Casino Control Commission Pushes for Change

There was a request for permission to test electronic gaming tables for poker and roulette. This was approved for all 11 local casinos. This change would eliminate the need for some dealers, and would in addition draw in some players from neighboring states that have previously approved the tables in slots parlors.

The machines are not anticipated to entirely replace live dealers in Atlantic City, but are an attempt to take some of the slots players back from the neighboring markets and to entice players who find electronic table games less intimidating.

Casino operators in Atlantic City are acutely aware of the gnawing away of gaming profits towards the neighboring states' slot parlors, which have incorporated electronic blackjack, poker and baccarat tables in to their parlors. The thought is that it's necessary to add the electronic tables just to keep pace. The versions used in New Jersey will be somewhat different than those offered in the slot parlors also. The New Jersey electronic poker tables will look like real poker tables, with seats for all of the players, but with individual screens where they will read their cards. Roulette tables will have a live dealer and wheel, but all bets and payouts will be made electronically.

The Commission did recognize the machines would be useful in saving on labor costs. Some dealer positions may possibly be lost, but the commission stated that the decision to introduce table games at this time had nothing to do with the ongoing unionization efforts. No timetable has been developed for their incorporation into any of the casinos, at this point.