New Jersey Online Gaming Operators Fined $153K Last Month for Regulatory Failures

Posted on: December 5, 2019, 10:20h. 

Last updated on: December 5, 2019, 10:43h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

New Jersey online gaming operators were fined by state regulators more than $150,000 last month for compliance shortcomings.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) issued $153,500 in civil penalties for various regulatory infractions on behalf of the licensed interactive companies.

DGE Director David Rebuck said in the order that the company deployed “versions of three games that were not the versions tested and approved by the Division.”

In a separate order, Rebuck said there was “sufficient and legal support” to additionally penalize the two NYX Digital companies $10,000 for their compliance deficiencies.

Other Penalties

William Hill, a sportsbook operator that facilitates both land-based and mobile wagering, was levied a $26,500 penalty for accepting bets from individuals who had placed themselves on the self-exclusion list.

Rebuck explained that a total of 16 people who had banned themselves from gambling in the state were permitted to place sports bets through William Hill. The DGE cited the New Jersey Casino Control Act as the basis for the substantial fine.

The gaming regulatory agency additionally ordered William Hill to forfeit $5,036 in funds belonging to the prohibited persons.

iGaming Cloud, a player profile management system, was penalized a total of $11,000 for three regulatory breaches. The DGE said the company allowed self-excluded patrons to create online gambling accounts, which resulted in a $7,000 fine from the state.

The DGE additionally placed two $2,000 charges on iGaming Cloud – one for operating unapproved revenue reporting software, and another for “being unable to recover slot tournament data after a system crash” and failing to file an explanation with the state.

PokerStars was subjected to a $5,000 fine for “losing approximately two hours of poker hand history data.”

Banned Bettors

William Hill wasn’t the only gaming company who handed over self-excluded player funds to the state. Caesars forfeited $6,309.01 and Bally’s $1,786.29 in money that was due payable to individuals who weren’t legally allowed to gamble in New Jersey.

The DGE explains that winnings of underage gamblers or excluded persons are subject to forfeiture. Forfeitures and fines go to both the Casino Revenue Fund and Compulsive Gambling Program.

The DGE also notifies internet gaming operators about a person’s exclusion. The agency warns, “After you are placed on the list, a casino or internet gaming site will refuse to accept your wagers. If you are caught gambling … you will be subject to forfeiture of any winnings.”