§2 - C.5:12-27a

§13 - C.5:12A-4.1

P.L.2012, CHAPTER 34, approved August 7,  2012

Senate, No. 1323 (Third Reprint)

An Act concerning the regulation of casino gaming and amending various parts of the statutory law ²and supplementing P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.)^{2 3}and P.L.2011, c.231 (C.5:12A-1 et seq.)³.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

²1.   Section 12 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-12) is amended to read as follows:

     12.  "Casino Service Industry Enterprise" -- Any vendor offering goods or services which directly relate to casino or gaming activity, including gaming equipment and simulcast wagering equipment manufacturers, suppliers, repairers and independent testing laboratories, ³[but not including junket enterprises]³ [and] ³[, junket representatives, and independent software contractors, that provides casino applicants or licensees with goods or services] or any vendor providing to casino licensees or applicants goods and services ancillary to gaming activity, including, without limitation, junket enterprises and junket representatives, holders of casino hotel alcoholic beverage control licenses, lessors of casino property not required to hold a casino license pursuant to section 82 of P.L. 1977, c.110 (C.5:12-82), and licensors of authorized games³. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any form of enterprise engaged in the manufacture, sale, distribution, testing or repair of slot machines within New Jersey, other than antique slot machines as defined in N.J.S.2C:37-7, shall be considered a casino service industry enterprise for the purposes of this act regardless of the nature of its business relationship, if any, with casino applicants and licensees in this State.

     For the purposes of this section, "casino applicant" includes any person required to hold a casino license pursuant to section 82 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-82) who has applied to the division for a casino license or any approval required under P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.). ²

(cf: P.L.2011, c.19, s.10)

²2.   (New section)  “Independent software contractor” – A person ³[who is not an employee of] or entity not employed directly by³ a casino service industry enterprise ³[and]³ who, pursuant to an agreement with the casino service industry enterprise, develops, designs, programs, produces, composes, or manufactures any software, source language, executable code, or content which a casino service industry enterprise acquires control over or ownership of and assumes legal responsibility for the gaming device in which the software or code is used.²

²[1.] 3.²     Section 11 of P.L.2011, c.19 (C.5:12-14.2a) is amended to read as follows:

     11.  "Corporate Officer" - The chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief information officer, chief compliance officer, and chief legal officer of a corporation, or their equivalents in any unincorporated entity.

(cf:  P.L.2011, c.19, s.11)

²[2. Section 24 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-24) is amended to read as follows:

     24.  "Gross Revenue"-- The total of all sums actually received by a casino licensee from gaming operations, less only the total of all sums actually paid out as winnings to patrons; provided, however, that the cash equivalent value of any merchandise or thing of value included in a jackpot or payout shall [not] be included in the total of all sums paid out as winnings to patrons for purposes of determining gross revenue, and that such cash equivalent value shall be equal to the amount actually paid by the casino licensee for the merchandise or thing of value.  "Gross Revenue" shall not include any amount received by a casino from casino simulcasting pursuant to the "Casino Simulcasting Act," P.L.1992, c.19 (C.5:12-191 et al.).

(cf:  P.L.2009, c.36, s.2)]²

²[3.] 4.²     Section 81 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-81) is amended to read as follows:

     81.  Statement of compliance.

     a.     (1) Upon consideration of a report and recommendation of the division, the commission may, in its discretion, issue a statement of compliance to an applicant for a casino license or to any person required to qualify in conjunction with a casino license or casino license applicant if the applicant or person, as the case may be, has established by clear and convincing evidence that one or more particular eligibility criteria have been satisfied. A request for the issuance of a statement of compliance pursuant to this paragraph shall be initiated by the applicant filing a petition with the division. Before the division initiates any investigation on such a petition, the director may require the applicant to establish to the satisfaction of the director that the applicant actually intends, if found qualified, to engage in the business or activity that would require the issuance of the license or the determination of qualification status.

     (2)   Any person who must be qualified pursuant to the "Casino Control Act," P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.) in order to hold the securities of a casino licensee or any holding or intermediary company of a casino licensee may, prior to the acquisition of any such securities, request the issuance of a statement of compliance by the commission that the person is qualified to hold such securities. Any request for the issuance of a statement of compliance pursuant to this paragraph shall be initiated by the person filing a petition with the division in which the person shall be required to establish that there is a reasonable likelihood that, if qualified, the person will obtain and hold the securities of a casino licensee or any holding or intermediary company thereof to such extent as to require the qualification of the person. If, after an investigation by the division, the director finds that this reasonable likelihood exists and that the qualifications of the person have been established by clear and convincing evidence, the director may, in the director's discretion, recommend to the commission that it issue a statement of compliance that the person is qualified to hold such securities. Any person who requests a statement of compliance pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to the provisions of section 80 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-80) and shall pay for the costs of all investigations and proceedings in relation to the request unless the person provides an agreement with one or more casino licensees which states that the licensee or licensees will pay those costs.

     (3)   A statement of compliance shall not be issued indicating that an applicant or any other person required to qualify in conjunction with a casino license or casino license applicant that is a corporation or other form of business organization has established by clear and convincing evidence its good character, honesty and integrity unless the corporate officers; each director; each person who directly or indirectly holds any beneficial or ownership interest in the applicant of 5% or greater, to the extent such person would be required to qualify under section 85 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-85); and any other person whom the [commission] division may consider appropriate for approval or qualification, would, but for residence, individually be qualified for approval as a casino key employee pursuant to the provisions of section 89 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-89).

     b.    Any statement of compliance issued under P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.) shall specify:

     (1)   the particular eligibility criterion satisfied by the applicant or person;

     (2)   the date as of which such satisfaction was determined by the commission;

     (3)   the continuing obligation of the applicant or person to file any information required by the division as part of any application for a license or qualification status, including information related to the eligibility criterion for which the statement of compliance was issued; and

     (4)   the obligation of the applicant or person to reestablish its satisfaction of the eligibility criterion should there be a change in any material fact or circumstance that is relevant to the eligibility criterion for which the statement of compliance was issued.

     c.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2011, c.19)

     d.    Any statement of compliance issued pursuant to this section shall be withdrawn by the commission if:

     (1)   the applicant or person otherwise fails to satisfy the standards for licensure or qualification;

     (2)   the applicant or person fails to comply with any condition imposed; or

     (3)   the commission finds, on recommendation of the division, cause to revoke the statement of compliance for any other reason.

     e.     Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, unless otherwise extended by the commission upon application by the recipient and for good cause shown, any statement of compliance issued by the commission pursuant to this section shall expire 48 months after its date of issuance.

     f.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2011, c.19)

(cf:  P.L.2011, c.19, s.45)

²[4.] 5.²  Section 82 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-82) is amended to read as follows:

     82.  a. No casino shall operate unless all necessary licenses and approvals therefor have been obtained in accordance with law.

     b.    Only the following persons shall be eligible to hold a casino license; and, unless otherwise determined by the commission with the concurrence of the Attorney General which may not be unreasonably withheld in accordance with subsection c. of this section, each of the following persons shall be required to hold a casino license prior to the operation of a casino in the casino hotel with respect to which the casino license has been applied for:

     (1)   Any person who either owns an approved casino hotel or owns or has a contract to purchase or construct a casino hotel which in the judgment of the commission can become an approved casino hotel within 30 months or within such additional time period as the commission may, upon a showing of good cause therefor, establish;

     (2)   Any person who, whether as lessor or lessee, either leases an approved casino hotel or leases or has an agreement to lease a casino hotel which in the judgment of the commission can become an approved casino hotel within 30 months or within such additional time period as the commission may, upon a showing of good cause therefor, establish;

     (3)   Any person who has a written agreement with a casino licensee or with an eligible applicant for a casino license for the complete management of a casino and, if applicable, any authorized games in a casino simulcasting facility; and

     (4)   Any other person who has control over either an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder or the operation of a casino.

     c.     Prior to the operation of a casino and, if applicable, a casino simulcasting facility, every agreement to lease an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder and every agreement for the management of the casino and, if applicable, any authorized games in a casino simulcasting facility, shall be in writing and filed with the commission and the division. No such agreement shall be effective unless expressly approved by the commission. The commission may require that any such agreement include within its terms any provision reasonably necessary to best accomplish the policies of this act. Consistent with the policies of this act:

     (1)   The commission, with the concurrence of the Attorney General which may not be unreasonably withheld, may determine that any person who does not have the ability to exercise any significant control over either the approved casino hotel or the operation of the casino contained therein shall not be eligible to hold or required to hold a casino license;

     (2)   The commission, with the concurrence of the Attorney General which may not be unreasonably withheld, may determine that any owner, lessor or lessee of an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder who does not own or lease a significant portion of an approved casino hotel shall not be eligible to hold or required to hold a casino license;

     (3)   The commission shall require that any person or persons eligible to apply for a casino license organize itself or themselves into such form or forms of business association as the commission shall deem necessary or desirable in the circumstances to carry out the policies of this act;

     (4)   The commission may issue separate casino licenses to any persons eligible to apply therefor;

     (5)   As to agreements to lease an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder, unless it expressly and by formal vote for good cause determines otherwise, the commission shall require that each party thereto hold either a casino license or casino service industry enterprise license and that such an agreement shall include within its terms a buy-out provision conferring upon the casino licensee-lessee who controls the operation of the approved casino hotel the absolute right to purchase for an expressly set forth fixed sum the entire interest of the lessor or any person associated with the lessor in the approved casino hotel or the land thereunder in the event that said lessor or said person associated with the lessor is found by the commission or director, as the case may be, to be unsuitable to be associated with a casino enterprise;

     (6)   The commission shall not permit an agreement for the leasing of an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder to provide for the payment of an interest, percentage or share of money gambled at the casino or derived from casino gaming activity or of revenues or profits of the casino unless the party receiving payment of such interest, percentage or share is a party to the approved lease agreement; unless each party to the lease agreement holds either a casino license or casino service industry enterprise license, and includes within its terms a buy-out provision conforming to that described in paragraph (5) above;

     (7)   As to agreements for the management of a casino and, if applicable, the authorized games in a casino simulcasting facility, the commission shall require that each party thereto hold a casino license or a casino service industry enterprise license pursuant to subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), that the party thereto who is to manage the casino gaming operations own at least 10% of all outstanding equity securities of any casino licensee or of any eligible applicant for a casino license if the said licensee or applicant is a corporation and the ownership of an equivalent interest in any casino licensee or in any eligible applicant for a casino license if same is not a corporation, and that such an agreement be for the complete management of all casino space in the casino hotel and, if applicable, all authorized games in a casino simulcasting facility, provide for the sole and unrestricted power to direct the casino gaming operations of the casino hotel which is the subject of the agreement, and be for such a durational term as to assure reasonable continuity, stability and independence in the management of the casino gaming operations, provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to a slot system agreement between a group of casino licensees and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), or an eligible applicant for such license, and that, with regard to such agreements, the casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant may operate and administer the multi-casino progressive slot machine system, including, but not limited to, the operation of a monitor room or the payment of progressive, including annuity, jackpots, or both, and further provided that the obligation to pay a progressive jackpot or establish an annuity jackpot guarantee shall be the sole responsibility of the casino licensee or casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant designated in the slot system agreement and that no other party shall be jointly or severally liable for the payment or funding of such jackpots or guarantees unless such liability is specifically established in the slot system agreement;

     (8)   The commission may permit an agreement for the management of a casino and, if applicable, the authorized games in a casino simulcasting facility to provide for the payment to the managing party of an interest, percentage or share of money gambled at all authorized games or derived from casino gaming activity or of revenues or profits of casino gaming operations;

     (9)   Notwithstanding any other provision of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.) to the contrary, the commission may permit an agreement between a casino licensee and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) for the conduct of casino simulcasting in a simulcasting facility or for the operation of a multi-casino progressive slot machine system, to provide for the payment to the casino service industry enterprise of an interest, percentage or share of the money derived from the casino licensee's share of proceeds from simulcast wagering activity or the operation of a multi-casino progressive slot machine system; [and] ²and²

     (10) As to agreements to lease an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder, agreements to jointly own an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder and agreements for the management of casino gaming operations or for the conduct of casino simulcasting in a simulcasting facility, the commission shall require that each party thereto, except for a banking or other chartered or licensed lending institution or any subsidiary thereof, or any chartered or licensed life insurance company or property and casualty insurance company, or the State of New Jersey or any political subdivision thereof or any agency or instrumentality of the State or any political subdivision thereof, shall be jointly and severally liable for all acts, omissions and violations of this act by any party thereto regardless of actual knowledge of such act, omission or violation and notwithstanding any provision in such agreement to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this paragraph shall require a casino licensee to be jointly and severally liable for any acts, omissions or violations of this act, P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), committed by any casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant performing as a slot system operator pursuant to a slot system agreement ²[; and

(11) The division may permit an agreement between a casino licensee and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), or an eligible applicant for a license, for the purchase or lease of slot machines, which provides for the payment to the casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant of an interest, percentage, or share of the proceeds from the operation of those slot machines]².

     d.    No corporation shall be eligible to apply for a casino license unless:

     (1)   The corporation shall be incorporated in the State of New Jersey, although such corporation may be a wholly or partially owned subsidiary of a corporation which is organized pursuant to the laws of another state of the United States or of a foreign country;

     (2)   The corporation shall maintain an office of the corporation in the casino hotel licensed or to be licensed;

     (3)   The corporation shall comply with all the requirements of the laws of the State of New Jersey pertaining to corporations;

     (4)   The corporation shall maintain a ledger in the principal office of the corporation in New Jersey which shall at all times reflect the current ownership of every class of security issued by the corporation and shall be available for inspection by the commission or the division and authorized agents of the commission and the division at all reasonable times without notice;

     (5)   The corporation shall maintain all operating accounts required by the commission in a bank in New Jersey, except that a casino licensee may establish deposit-only accounts in any jurisdiction in order to obtain payment of any check described in section 101 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-101);

     (6)   The corporation shall include among the purposes stated in its certificate of incorporation the conduct of casino gaming and provide that the certificate of incorporation includes all provisions required by this act;

     (7)   The corporation, if it is not a publicly traded corporation, shall file with the division ¹and the commission¹ such adopted corporate charter provisions as may be necessary [to establish the right of prior approval by the commission] ¹[with regard to] to establish the right of the commission pursuant to subsection a. of section 105 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-105) to disapprove¹ transfers of securities, shares, and other interests in the applicant corporation; and, if it is a publicly traded corporation, provide in its corporate charter that any securities of such corporation are held subject to the condition that if a holder thereof is found to be disqualified pursuant to the provisions of this act, such holder shall dispose of his interest in the corporation; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.14A:7-12 and N.J.S.12A:8-101 et seq., nothing herein shall be deemed to require that any security of such corporation bear any legend to this effect;

     (8)   The corporation, if it is not a publicly traded corporation, shall establish to the satisfaction of the division that appropriate charter provisions create the absolute right of such non-publicly traded corporations and companies to repurchase at the market price or the purchase price, whichever is the lesser, any security, share or other interest in the corporation in the event that the commission disapproves a transfer in accordance with the provisions of this act;

     (9)   Any publicly traded holding, intermediary, or subsidiary company of the corporation, whether the corporation is publicly traded or not, shall contain in its corporate charter the same provisions required under paragraph (7) for a publicly traded corporation to be eligible to apply for a casino license; and

     (10) Any non-publicly traded holding, intermediary or subsidiary company of the corporation, whether the corporation is publicly traded or not, shall establish to the satisfaction of the commission that its charter provisions are the same as those required under paragraphs (7) and (8) for a non-publicly traded corporation to be eligible to apply for a casino license.

     The provisions of this subsection shall apply with the same force and effect with regard to casino license applicants and casino licensees which have a legal existence that is other than corporate to the extent which is appropriate.

     e.     No person shall be issued or be the holder of a casino license if the issuance or the holding results in undue economic concentration in Atlantic City casino operations by that person. For the purpose of this subsection, "undue economic concentration" means that a person would have such actual or potential domination of the casino gaming market in Atlantic City as to substantially impede or suppress competition among casino licensees or adversely impact the economic stability of the casino industry in Atlantic City. In determining whether the issuance or holding of a casino license by a person will result in undue economic concentration, the commission shall consider the following criteria:

     (1)   The percentage share of the market presently controlled by the person in each of the following categories:

     The total number of licensed casinos in this State;

     Total casino and casino simulcasting facility square footage;

     Number of guest rooms;

     Number of slot machines;

     Number of table games;

     Net revenue;

     Table game win;

     Slot machine win;

     Table game drop;

     Slot machine drop; and

     Number of persons employed by the casino hotel;

     (2)   The estimated increase in the market shares in the categories in (1) above if the person is issued or permitted to hold the casino license;

     (3)   The relative position of other persons who hold casino licenses, as evidenced by the market shares of each such person in the categories in (1) above;

     (4)   The current and projected financial condition of the casino industry;

     (5)   Current market conditions, including level of competition, consumer demand, market concentration, any consolidation trends in the industry and any other relevant characteristics of the market;

     (6)   Whether the licensed casinos held or to be held by the person have separate organizational structures or other independent obligations;

     (7)   The potential impact of licensure on the projected future growth and development of the casino industry and Atlantic City;

     (8)   The barriers to entry into the casino industry, including the licensure requirements of this act, P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), and whether the issuance or holding of a casino license by the person will operate as a barrier to new companies and individuals desiring to enter the market;

     (9)   Whether the issuance or holding of the license by the person will adversely impact on consumer interests, or whether such issuance or holding is likely to result in enhancing the quality and customer appeal of products and services offered by casino licensees in order to maintain or increase their respective market shares;

     (10) Whether a restriction on the issuance or holding of an additional license by the person is necessary in order to encourage and preserve competition and to prevent undue economic concentration in casino operations; and

     (11) Any other evidence deemed relevant by the commission.

     The commission shall, after conducting public hearings thereon, promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) defining any additional criteria the commission will use in determining what constitutes undue economic concentration.

     For the purpose of this subsection a person shall be considered the holder of a casino license if such license is issued to such person or if such license is held by any holding, intermediary or subsidiary company thereof, or by any person required to be qualified in conjunction with such casino license.

(cf:  P.L.2011, c.19, s.46)

²6.   Section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) is amended to read as follows:

     92.  Licensing of casino service industry enterprises. a. (1) Any business to be conducted with a casino applicant or licensee by a vendor offering goods or services which directly relate to casino or gaming activity, including gaming equipment and simulcast wagering equipment manufacturers, suppliers, repairers, and independent testing laboratories,  ³[but not including junket enterprises]³ [and] ³[, junket representatives, and]³ [any person employed by a junket enterprise or junket representative in a managerial or supervisory position] ³[independent software contractors,]³  shall require licensure as a casino service industry enterprise in accordance with the provisions of this act prior to conducting any business whatsoever with a casino applicant or licensee, its employees or agents; provided, however, that upon a showing of good cause by a casino applicant or licensee ³[for each business transaction]³, the director may permit an applicant for a casino service industry enterprise license to conduct business transactions with such casino applicant or licensee prior to the licensure of that casino service industry enterprise applicant under this subsection  ³for such periods as the division may establish by regulation³ .

     (2)   In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, any casino service industry enterprise intending to manufacture, sell, distribute, test or repair slot machines within New Jersey, other than antique slot machines as defined in N.J.S.2C:37-7, shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this act prior to engaging in any such activities; provided, however, that upon a showing of good cause by a casino applicant or licensee  ³[for each business transaction]³, the director may permit an applicant for a casino service industry enterprise license to conduct business transactions with the casino applicant or licensee prior to the licensure of that casino service industry enterprise applicant under this subsection  ³for such periods as the division may establish by regulation³; and provided further, however, that upon a showing of good cause by an applicant required to be licensed as a casino service industry enterprise pursuant to this paragraph, the director may permit the casino service industry enterprise applicant to initiate the manufacture of slot machines or engage in the sale, distribution, testing or repair of slot machines with any person other than a casino applicant or licensee, its employees or agents, prior to the licensure of that casino service industry enterprise applicant under this subsection.

³(3) Vendors providing goods and services to casino licensees or applicants ancillary to gaming, including, without limitation, junket enterprises and junket representatives, and any person employed by a junket enterprise or junket representative in a managerial or supervisory position, non-casino applicants or licensees required to hold a casino hotel alcoholic beverage license pursuant to section 103 of P.L. 1977, c.110 (C.5:12-103), lessors of casino property not required to hold a casino license pursuant to section 82 of P.L. 1977 c.110 (C.5:12-82), and licensors of authorized games shall be required to be licensed as an ancillary casino service industry enterprise and shall comply with the standards set forth in paragraph (4) of subsection c. of this section.³

     b.    Each casino service industry enterprise  ³required to be licensed pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section³, as well as its owners; management and supervisory personnel; and employees if such employees have responsibility for services to a casino applicant or licensee, must qualify under the standards, except residency, established for qualification of a casino key employee under this act.

     c.     (1) Any vendor that offers goods or services to a casino applicant or licensee that is not included in subsection a. of this section including, but not limited to casino site contractors and subcontractors, shopkeepers located within the approved hotels, [and] gaming schools that possess slot machines for the purpose of instruction, [and any non-supervisory employee of a junket enterprise licensed under subsection a. of this section] ³[junket enterprises, junket representatives, and independent software contractors] and any non-supervisory employee of a junket enterprise licensed under paragraph (3) of subsection a. of this section³, shall be required to register with the division in accordance with the regulations promulgated under this act, P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.).

     (2)   Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the director may, consistent with the public interest and the policies of this act, direct that  ³individual³  vendors  ³[engaging in certain types of business with a casino applicant or licensee not included in subsection a. of this section] registered pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection³  be required to apply for  ³either³  a casino service industry enterprise license pursuant to ³[this subsection] paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section, or an ancillary casino service industry enterprise license pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection a. of this section, as directed by the division³, including, without limitation,  ³[non-casino applicants or licensees required to hold a Casino Hotel Alcoholic Beverage license pursuant to section 103 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-103);]³  in-State and out-of-State sending tracks as defined in section 2 of the "Casino Simulcasting Act," P.L.1992, c.19 (C.5:12-192); shopkeepers located within the approved hotels; and gaming schools that possess slot machines for the purpose of instruction.  ³The director may also order that any enterprise licensed as or required to be licensed as an ancillary casino service industry enterprise pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection a. of this section be required to apply for a casino service industry enterprise license pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section.  The director may also, in his discretion, order that an independent software contractor not otherwise required to be registered be either registered as a vendor pursuant to subsection c. of this section or be licensed pursuant to either paragraphs (1) or (3) of subsection a. of this section.³

     (3)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2011, c.19)

³(4) Each ancillary casino service industry enterprise required to be licensed pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection a. of this section, as well as its owners, management and supervisory personnel, and employees if such employees have responsibility for services to a casino applicant or licensee, shall establish their good character, honesty and integrity by clear and convincing evidence and shall provide such financial information as may be required by the division.  Any enterprise required to be licensed as an ancillary casino service industry enterprise pursuant to this section shall be permitted to transact business with a casino licensee upon filing of the appropriate vendor registration form and application for such licensure.³

     d.    Any applicant, licensee or qualifier of a casino service industry enterprise license  ³or of an ancillary casino service industry  enterprise license³  under subsection a. ³[or b.]³ of this section, and any vendor registrant under subsection c. of this section shall be disqualified in accordance with the criteria contained in section 86 of this act, except that no such ³ancillary casino service industry enterprise license under paragraph (3) of subsection a. of this section or³ vendor registration under subsection c. of this section shall be denied or revoked if such vendor registrant can affirmatively demonstrate rehabilitation as provided in subsection d. of section 91 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-91).

     e.     No casino service industry enterprise license  ³or ancillary casino service industry enterprise license³  shall be issued pursuant to subsection a. of this section to any person unless that person shall provide proof of valid business registration with the Division of Revenue in the Department of the Treasury.

     f.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2011, c.19)

     g.     For the purposes of this section, each applicant shall submit to the division the name, address, fingerprints and a written consent for a criminal history record background check to be performed, for each person required to qualify as part of the application. The division is hereby authorized to exchange fingerprint data with and receive criminal history record information from the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation consistent with applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations. The applicant shall bear the cost for the criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing the check. The Division of State Police shall promptly notify the division in the event a current or prospective qualifier, who was the subject of a criminal history record background check pursuant to this section, is arrested for a crime or offense in this State after the date the background check was performed.²

     ³h.   (1)  Subsequent to the licensure of any entity pursuant to subsection a. of this section, including any finding of qualification as may be required as a condition of licensure, or the registration of any vendor pursuant to subsection c. of this section, the director may revoke, suspend, limit, or otherwise restrict the license, registration or qualification status upon a finding that the licensee, registrant or qualifier is disqualified on the basis of the criteria set forth in section 86 of P.L. 1977, c.110 (C.5:12-86).

(2)   A hearing prior to the suspension of any license, registration or qualification issued pursuant to this section shall be a limited proceeding at which the division shall have the affirmative obligation to demonstrate that there is a reasonable possibility that the licensee, registrant or qualifier is disqualified on the basis of the criteria set forth in section 86 of P.L. 1977, c.110 (C.5:12-86).³

(cf: P.L.2011, c.19, s.58)

²[5.] 7.²     Section 100 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-100) is amended to read as follows:

     100.  a.  This act shall not be construed to permit any gaming except the conduct of authorized games in a casino room in accordance with this act and the regulations promulgated hereunder and in a simulcasting facility to the extent provided by the "Casino Simulcasting Act," P.L.1992, c.19 (C.5:12-191 et al.). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the division approves the game of keno as an authorized game pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-5), as amended, keno tickets may be sold or redeemed in accordance with division regulations.

     b.    Gaming equipment shall not be possessed, maintained or exhibited by any person on the premises of a casino hotel except in a casino room, in the simulcasting facility, or in restricted casino areas used for the inspection, repair or storage of such equipment and specifically designated for that purpose by the casino licensee with the approval of the division. Gaming equipment which supports the conduct of gaming in a casino or simulcasting facility but does not permit or require patron access, such as computers, may be possessed and maintained by a casino licensee or a qualified holding or intermediary company of a casino licensee in restricted areas specifically approved by the division. No gaming equipment shall be possessed, maintained, exhibited, brought into or removed from a casino room or simulcasting facility by any person unless such equipment is necessary to the conduct of an authorized game, has permanently affixed, imprinted, impressed or engraved thereon an identification number or symbol authorized by the division, is under the exclusive control of a casino licensee or casino licensee's employees, or of any individually qualified employee of a holding company or casino licensee and is brought into or removed from the casino room or simulcasting facility following 24-hour prior notice given to an authorized agent of the division.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, computer equipment used by the slot system operator of a multi-casino progressive slot system to link and communicate with the slot machines of two or more casino licensees for the purpose of calculating and displaying the amount of a progressive jackpot, monitoring the operation of the system, and any other purpose that the division deems necessary and appropriate to the operation or maintenance of the multi-casino progressive slot machine system may, with the prior approval of the division, be possessed, maintained and operated by the slot system operator either in a restricted area on the premises of a casino hotel or in a secure facility inaccessible to the public and specifically designed for that purpose off the premises of a casino hotel but within the territorial limits of Atlantic County, New Jersey.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person may, with the prior approval of the division and under such terms and conditions as may be required by the division, possess, maintain or exhibit gaming equipment in any other area of the casino hotel, provided that such equipment is used for nongaming purposes.

³Notwithstanding any other provision of this act to the contrary, the division may, by regulation, authorize the linking of slot machines of one or more casino licensees and slot machines located in casinos licensed by another state of the United States.  Wagering and account information for a multi-state slot system shall be transmitted by the operator of such multi-state slot system to either a restricted area on the premises of a casino hotel or to a secure facility inaccessible to the public and specifically designed for that purpose off the premises of a casino hotel but within the territorial limits of Atlantic County, New Jersey, and from there to slot machines of New Jersey casino licensees, provided all locations are approved by the division.³

Notwithstanding any other provision of this act to the contrary, the division may authorize electronic versions of authorized games to be played within an approved hotel facility on mobile gaming devices to be approved by the division, provided the player has established an account with the casino licensee, the wager is placed by and ²the winnings are² paid to the patron in person within the approved hotel facility, the mobile gaming device is inoperable outside the approved hotel facility, and the division authorizes the device for mobile gaming ²; provided that the division may establish any additional or more stringent licensing and other regulatory requirements necessary for the proper implementation and conduct of mobile gaming as authorized herein². ¹For the purposes of this provision, the approved hotel facility shall include any area located within the property boundaries of the casino hotel facility, including the swimming pool area and an outdoor recreation area, where mobile gaming devices may be used by patrons in accordance with this provision, ²but excluding parking garages or parking areas of a casino hotel facility,² provided that the division shall ascertain and ensure, pursuant to rules and regulations issued by it to implement mobile gaming pursuant to this provision, that mobile gaming shall not extend outside of the property boundaries of the casino hotel facility.¹

     c.     Each casino hotel shall contain a count room and such other secure facilities as may be required by the division for the counting and storage of cash, coins, tokens, checks, plaques, gaming vouchers, coupons, and other devices or items of value used in wagering and approved by the division that are received in the conduct of gaming and for the inspection, counting and storage of dice, cards, chips and other representatives of value. The division shall promulgate regulations for the security of drop boxes and other devices in which the foregoing items are deposited at the gaming tables or in slot machines, and all areas wherein such boxes and devices are kept while in use, which regulations may include certain locking devices. Said drop boxes and other devices shall not be brought into or removed from a casino room or simulcasting facility, or locked or unlocked, except at such times, in such places, and according to such procedures as the division may require.

     d.    All chips used in gaming shall be of such size and uniform color by denomination as the division shall require by regulation.

     e.     All gaming shall be conducted according to rules promulgated by the division. All wagers and pay-offs of winning wagers shall be made according to rules promulgated by the division, which shall establish such limitations as may be necessary to assure the vitality of casino operations and fair odds to patrons. Each slot machine shall have a minimum payout of 83%.

     f.     Each casino licensee shall make available in printed form to any patron upon request the complete text of the rules of the division regarding games and the conduct of gaming, pay-offs of winning wagers, an approximation of the odds of winning for each wager, and such other advice to the player as the division shall require. Each casino licensee shall prominently post within a casino room and simulcasting facility, as appropriate, according to regulations of the division such information about gaming rules, pay-offs of winning wagers, the odds of winning for each wager, and such other advice to the player as the division shall require.

     g.     Each gaming table shall be equipped with a sign indicating the permissible minimum and maximum wagers pertaining thereto. It shall be unlawful for a casino licensee to require any wager to be greater than the stated minimum or less than the stated maximum; provided, however, that any wager actually made by a patron and not rejected by a casino licensee prior to the commencement of play shall be treated as a valid wager.

     h.     (1) Except as herein provided, no slot machine shall be used to conduct gaming unless it is identical in all electrical, mechanical and other aspects to a model thereof which has been specifically tested and licensed for use by the division. The division shall also test any other gaming device, gaming equipment, gaming-related device or gross-revenue related device, such as a slot management system, electronic transfer credit system or gaming voucher system as it deems appropriate. In its discretion and for the purpose of expediting the approval process, the division may utilize the services of a private testing laboratory that has obtained a plenary license as a casino service industry enterprise pursuant to subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) to perform the testing, and may also utilize applicable data from any such private testing laboratory or from a governmental agency of a state other than New Jersey authorized to regulate slot machines and other gaming devices, gaming equipment, gaming-related devices and gross-revenue related devices used in casino gaming, if the private testing laboratory or governmental agency uses a testing methodology substantially similar to the methodology utilized by the division. The division, in its discretion, may rely upon the data provided by the private testing laboratory or governmental agency and adopt the conclusions of such private testing laboratory or governmental agency regarding any submitted device.

     (2)   Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (5) of subsection h. of this section, the division shall, within 60 days of its receipt of a complete application for the testing of a slot machine or other gaming equipment model, approve or reject the slot machine or other gaming equipment model. In so doing, the division shall specify whether and to what extent any data from a private testing laboratory or governmental agency of a state other than New Jersey was used in reaching its conclusions and recommendation. If the division is unable to complete the testing of a slot machine or other gaming equipment model within this 60-day period, the division may conditionally approve the slot machine or other gaming equipment model for test use by a casino licensee provided that the division represents that the use of the slot machine or other gaming equipment model will not have a direct and materially adverse impact on the integrity of gaming or the control of gross revenue. The division shall give priority to the testing of slot machines or other gaming equipment which a casino licensee has certified it will use in its casino in this State.

     (3)   The division shall, by regulation, establish such technical standards for licensure of slot machines, including mechanical and electrical reliability, security against tampering, the comprehensibility of wagering, and noise and light levels, as it may deem necessary to protect the player from fraud or deception and to insure the integrity of gaming. The denominations of such machines shall be set by the licensee; the licensee shall simultaneously notify the division of the settings.

     (4)   The division shall, by regulation, determine the permissible number and density of slot machines in a licensed casino so as to:

     (a)   promote optimum security for casino operations;

     (b)   avoid deception or frequent distraction to players at gaming tables;

     (c)   promote the comfort of patrons;

     (d)   create and maintain a gracious playing environment in the casino; and

     (e)   encourage and preserve competition in casino operations by assuring that a variety of gaming opportunities is offered to the public.

     Any such regulation promulgated by the division which determines the permissible number and density of slot machines in a licensed casino shall provide that all casino floor space and all space within a casino licensee's casino simulcasting facility shall be included in any calculation of the permissible number and density of slot machines in a licensed casino.

     (5)   Any new gaming equipment or simulcast wagering equipment that is submitted for testing to the division or to an independent testing laboratory licensed pursuant to subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) prior to or simultaneously with submission of such new equipment for testing in a jurisdiction other than New Jersey, may, consistent with regulations promulgated by the division, be deployed by a casino licensee on the casino floor 14 days after submission of such equipment for testing. If the casino or casino service industry enterprise licensee has not received approval for the equipment 14 days after submission for testing, any interested casino licensee may, consistent with division regulations, deploy the equipment on a field test basis, unless otherwise directed by the director.

     i.      (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1991, c.182).

     j.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1991, c.182).

     k.    It shall be unlawful for any person to exchange or redeem chips for anything whatsoever, except for currency, negotiable personal checks, negotiable counter checks, other chips, coupons, slot vouchers or complimentary vouchers distributed by the casino licensee, or, if authorized by regulation of the division, a valid charge to a credit or debit card account. A casino licensee shall, upon the request of any person, redeem that licensee's gaming chips surrendered by that person in any amount over $100 with a check drawn upon the licensee's account at any banking institution in this State and made payable to that person.

     l.      It shall be unlawful for any casino licensee or its agents or employees to employ, contract with, or use any shill or barker to induce any person to enter a casino or simulcasting facility or play at any game or for any purpose whatsoever.

     m.    It shall be unlawful for a dealer in any authorized game in which cards are dealt to deal cards by hand or other than from a device specifically designed for that purpose, unless otherwise permitted by the rules of the division.

     n.     (1) It shall be unlawful for any casino key employee[,] licensee [or any person who is required to hold a casino key employee license as a condition of employment or qualification] to wager in any casino or simulcasting facility in this State[, or any casino].

     (2)   It shall be unlawful for any other employee of a casino licensee who, in the judgment of the division, is directly involved with the conduct of gaming operations, including but not limited to dealers, floor persons, box persons, security and surveillance employees, to wager in any casino or simulcasting facility in the casino hotel in which the employee is employed or in any other casino or simulcasting facility in this State which is owned or operated by an affiliated licensee.

     (3)   The prohibition against wagering set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall continue for a period of 30 days commencing upon the date that the employee either leaves employment with a casino licensee or is terminated from employment with a casino licensee.

     o.    (1) It shall be unlawful for any casino key employee or boxman, floorman, or any other casino employee who shall serve in a supervisory position to solicit or accept, and for any other casino employee to solicit, any tip or gratuity from any player or patron at the casino hotel or simulcasting facility where he is employed.

     (2)   A dealer may accept tips or gratuities from a patron at the table at which such dealer is conducting play, subject to the provisions of this subsection. All such tips or gratuities shall be immediately deposited in a lockbox reserved for that purpose, unless the tip or gratuity is authorized by a patron utilizing an automated wagering system approved by the division. All tips or gratuities shall be accounted for, and placed in a pool for distribution pro rata among the dealers, with the distribution based upon the number of hours each dealer has worked, except that the division may, by regulation, permit a separate pool to be established for dealers in the game of poker, or may permit tips or gratuities to be retained by individual dealers in the game of poker.

     (3)   Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a casino licensee may require that a percentage of the prize pool offered to participants pursuant to an authorized poker tournament be withheld for distribution to the tournament dealers as tips or gratuities as the division by regulation may approve.

     p.    Any slot system operator that offers an annuity jackpot shall secure the payment of such jackpot by establishing an annuity jackpot guarantee in accordance with the requirements of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), and the rules of the division.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.19, s.65)

²[6.] 8.²     Section 101 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-101) is amended to read as follows:

     101.  a.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, no casino licensee or any person licensed under this act, and no person acting on behalf of or under any arrangement with a casino licensee or other person licensed under this act, shall:

     (1)   Cash any check, make any loan, or otherwise provide or allow to any person any credit or advance of anything of value or which represents value to enable any person to take part in gaming or simulcast wagering activity as a player; or

     (2)   Release or discharge any debt, either in whole or in part, or make any loan which represents any losses incurred by any player in gaming or simulcast wagering activity, without maintaining a written record thereof in accordance with the rules of the division.

     b.    No casino licensee or any person licensed under this act, and no person acting on behalf of or under any arrangement with a casino licensee or other person licensed under this act, may accept a check, other than a recognized traveler's check or other cash equivalent from any person to enable such person to take part in gaming or simulcast wagering activity as a player, or may give cash or cash equivalents in exchange for such check unless:

     (1)   The check is made payable to the casino licensee;

     (2)   The check is dated, but not postdated;

     (3)   The check is presented to the cashier or the cashier's representative at a location in the casino approved by the division and is exchanged for cash or slot tokens which total an amount equal to the amount for which the check is drawn, or the check is presented to the cashier's representative at a gaming table in exchange for chips which total an amount equal to the amount for which the check is drawn; and

     (4)   The regulations concerning check cashing procedures are observed by the casino licensee and its employees and agents.

     Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the establishment of an account by any person with a casino licensee by a deposit of cash, recognized traveler's check or other cash equivalent, or a check which meets the requirements of subsection g. of this section, or to preclude the withdrawal, either in whole or in part, of any amount contained in such account.

     c.     When a casino licensee or other person licensed under this act, or any person acting on behalf of or under any arrangement with a casino licensee or other person licensed under this act, cashes a check in conformity with the requirements of subsection b. of this section, the casino licensee shall cause the deposit of such check in a bank for collection or payment, or shall require an attorney or casino key employee with no incompatible functions to present such check to the drawer's bank for payment, within (1) seven calendar days of the date of the transaction for a check in an amount of $1,000.00 or less; (2) 14 calendar days of the date of the transaction for a check in an amount greater than $1,000.00 but less than or equal to $5,000.00; or (3) 45 calendar days of the date of the transaction for a check in an amount greater than $5,000.00. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the drawer of the check may redeem the check by exchanging cash, cash equivalents, chips, or a check which meets the requirements of subsection g. of this section in an amount equal to the amount for which the check is drawn; or he may redeem the check in part by exchanging cash, cash equivalents, chips, or a check which meets the requirements of subsection g. of this section and another check which meets the requirements of subsection b. of this section for the difference between the original check and the cash, cash equivalents, chips, or check tendered; or he may issue one check which meets the requirements of subsection b. of this section in an amount sufficient to redeem two or more checks drawn to the order of the casino licensee. If there has been a partial redemption or a consolidation in conformity with the provisions of this subsection, the newly issued check shall be delivered to a bank for collection or payment or presented to the drawer's bank for payment by an attorney or casino key employee with no incompatible functions within the period herein specified. No casino licensee or any person licensed or registered under this act, and no person acting on behalf of or under any arrangement with a casino licensee or other person licensed under this act, shall accept any check or series of checks in redemption or consolidation of another check or checks in accordance with this subsection for the purpose of avoiding or delaying the deposit of a check in a bank for collection or payment or the presentment of the check to the drawer's bank within the time period prescribed by this subsection.

     In computing a time period prescribed by this subsection, the last day of the period shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or a State or federal holiday, in which event the time period shall run until the next business day.

     d.    No casino licensee or any other person licensed or registered under this act, or any other person acting on behalf of or under any arrangement with a casino licensee or other person licensed or registered under this act, shall transfer, convey, or give, with or without consideration, a check cashed in conformity with the requirements of this section to any person other than:

     (1)   The drawer of the check upon redemption or consolidation in accordance with subsection c. of this section;

     (2)   A bank for collection or payment of the check;

     (3)   A purchaser of the casino license as approved by the commission; or

     (4)   An attorney or casino key employee with no incompatible functions for presentment to the drawer's bank.

     The limitation on transferability of checks imposed herein shall apply to checks returned by any bank to the casino licensee without full and final payment.

     e.     No person other than a casino key employee licensed under this act or a casino employee registered under this act may engage in efforts to collect upon checks that have been returned by banks without full and final payment, except that an attorney-at-law representing a casino licensee ³[², or a collection agency working under the supervision of such attorney-at-law,²]³  may  ³[²be retained to collect a debt or²]³ bring action for such collection.

     f.     Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, checks cashed in conformity with the requirements of this act shall be valid instruments, enforceable at law in the courts of this State. Any check cashed, transferred, conveyed or given in violation of this act shall be invalid and unenforceable for the purposes of collection but shall be included in the calculation of gross revenue pursuant to section 24 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-24).

     g.     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of this section to the contrary, a casino licensee may accept a check from a person to enable the person to take part in gaming or simulcast wagering activity as a player, may give cash or cash equivalents in exchange for such a check, or may accept a check in redemption or partial redemption of a check issued in accordance with subsection b., provided that:

     (1) (a) The check is issued by a casino licensee, is made payable to the person presenting the check, and is issued for a purpose other than employment compensation or as payment for goods or services rendered;

     (b)   The check is issued by a banking institution which is chartered in a country other than the United States on its account at a federally chartered or state-chartered bank and is made payable to "cash," "bearer," a casino licensee, or the person presenting the check;

     (c)   The check is issued by a banking institution which is chartered in the United States on its account at another federally chartered or state-chartered bank and is made payable to "cash," "bearer," a casino licensee, or the person presenting the check;

     (d)   The check is issued by a slot system operator or pursuant to an annuity jackpot guarantee as payment for winnings from a multi-casino progressive slot machine system jackpot; or

     (e)   The check is issued by [an affiliate of a casino licensee] an entity that holds a gaming license in any jurisdiction, is made payable to the person presenting the check, and is issued for a purpose other than employment compensation or as payment for goods or services rendered;

     (2)   The check is identifiable in a manner approved by the division as a check authorized for acceptance pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection;

     (3)   The check is dated, but not postdated;

     (4)   The check is presented to the cashier or the cashier's representative by the original payee and its validity is verified by the drawer in the case of a check drawn pursuant to subparagraph (a) of paragraph (1) of this subsection, or the check is verified in accordance with regulations promulgated under this act in the case of a check issued pursuant to subparagraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

     (5)   The regulations concerning check cashing procedures are observed by the casino licensee and its employees and agents.

     No casino licensee shall issue a check for the purpose of making a loan or otherwise providing or allowing any advance or credit to a person to enable the person to take part in gaming or simulcast wagering activity as a player.

     h.     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. and subsection c. of this section to the contrary, a casino licensee may, at a location outside the casino, accept a personal check or checks from a person for up to $5,000 in exchange for cash or cash equivalents, and may, at such locations within the casino or casino simulcasting facility as may be permitted by the division, accept a personal check or checks for up to $5,000 in exchange for cash, cash equivalents, tokens, chips, or plaques to enable the person to take part in gaming or simulcast wagering activity as a player, provided that:

     (a)   The check is drawn on the patron's bank or brokerage cash management account;

     (b)   The check is for a specific amount;

     (c)   The check is made payable to the casino licensee;

     (d)   The check is dated but not post-dated;

     (e)   The patron's identity is established by examination of one of the following: valid credit card, driver's license, passport, or other form of identification credential which contains, at a minimum, the patron's signature;

     (f)    The check is restrictively endorsed "For Deposit Only" to the casino licensee's bank account and deposited on the next banking day following the date of the transaction;

     (g)   The total amount of personal checks accepted by any one licensee pursuant to this subsection that are outstanding at any time, including the current check being submitted, does not exceed $5,000;

     (h)   The casino licensee has a system of internal controls in place that will enable it to determine the amount of outstanding personal checks received from any patron pursuant to this subsection at any given point in time; and

     (i)    The casino licensee maintains a record of each such transaction in accordance with regulations established by the division.

     i.      (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2004, c.128).

     j.     A person may request the division to put that person's name on a list of persons to whom the extension of credit by a casino as provided in this section would be prohibited by submitting to the division the person's name, address, and date of birth. The person does not need to provide a reason for this request. The division shall provide this list to the credit department of each casino; neither the division nor the credit department of a casino shall divulge the names on this list to any person or entity other than those provided for in this subsection. If such a person wishes to have that person's name removed from the list, the person shall submit this request to the division, which shall so inform the credit departments of casinos no later than three days after the submission of the request.

     k.    (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2004, c.128).

(cf:  P.L.2011, c.19, s.68)

²9.   Section 102 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-102) is amended to read as follows:

     102.  Junkets and Complimentary Services.

     a.     No junkets may be organized or permitted except in accordance with the provisions of this act. No person may act as a junket representative or junket enterprise except in accordance with this section.

     b.    A  ³[junket enterprise or a]³  junket representative employed by a casino licensee, an applicant for a casino license or an affiliate of a casino licensee shall be [licensed] ³[registered] licensed³ as a casino [key] ³key³  employee in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.); provided, however, that said licensee need not be a resident of this State. No casino licensee or applicant for a casino license may employ or otherwise engage a junket representative who is not so [licensed] ³[registered] licensed³.

     c.     Junket enterprises that, and junket representatives not employed by a casino licensee or an applicant for a casino license or by a junket enterprise who, engage in activities governed by this section shall be [licensed as a casino service industry enterprise in accordance with subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), unless otherwise directed by the division. Any non-supervisory employee of a junket enterprise or junket representative licensed under this subsection shall be] ³licensed as an ancillary casino service industry enterprise in accordance with paragraph (3) of subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), unless otherwise directed by the division; provided, however, that any such junket enterprise or junket representative who is disqualified pursuant to section 86 of P.L. 1977, c.110 (C.5:12-86) shall not be entitled to establish his rehabilitation from such disqualification. Any non-supervisory employee of a junket enterprise or junket representative licensed as an ancillary casino service industry enterprise in accordance with paragraph (3) of subsection a. of section 92 of P.L. 1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) shall be³  registered in accordance with subsection c. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92).

     d.    Prior to the issuance of any license required by this section       ³[as provided under paragraph (2) of subsection c. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92)]³, an applicant for licensure shall submit to the jurisdiction of the State of New Jersey and shall demonstrate that he is amenable to service of process within this State. Failure to establish or maintain compliance with the requirements of this subsection shall constitute sufficient cause for the denial, suspension or revocation of any license issued pursuant to this section.

     e.     Upon petition by the holder of a casino license, an applicant for ³ a casino key employee license intending to be employed as a³  junket representative ³[or junket enterprise applying for licensure  as provided under paragraph (2) of subsection c. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92)]³  may be issued a temporary license by the division in accordance with regulations promulgated by the division, provided that:

     (1)   the applicant for licensure is employed by a casino licensee;

     (2)   the applicant for licensure has filed a completed application as required by the commission;

     (3)   the division either certifies to the commission that the completed application for licensure as specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection has been in the possession of the division for at least 60 days or agrees to allow the commission to consider the application in some lesser time; and

     (4)   the division does not object to the temporary licensure of the applicant; provided, however, that failure of the division to object prior to the temporary licensure of the applicant shall not be construed to reflect in any manner upon the qualifications of the applicant for licensure.

     In addition to any other authority granted by P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), the commission shall have the authority, upon receipt of a representation by the division that it possesses information which raises a reasonable possibility that a junket representative does not qualify for licensure, to immediately suspend, limit or condition any temporary license issued pursuant to this subsection, pending a hearing on the qualifications of the junket representative, in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.).

     Unless otherwise terminated pursuant to P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), any temporary license issued pursuant to this subsection shall expire 12 months from the date of its issuance, and shall be renewable by the commission, in the absence of an objection by the division, as specified in paragraph (4) of this subsection, for one additional six-month period.

     f.     Every agreement concerning junkets entered into by a casino licensee and a junket representative or junket enterprise shall be deemed to include a provision for its termination without liability on the part of the casino licensee, if the division orders the termination upon the suspension, limitation, conditioning, denial or revocation of the licensure of the junket representative or junket enterprise, in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.). Failure to expressly include such a condition in the agreement shall not constitute a defense in any action brought to terminate the agreement.

     g.     A casino licensee shall be responsible for the conduct of any junket representative or junket enterprise associated with it and for the terms and conditions of any junket engaged in on its premises, regardless of the fact that the junket may involve persons not employed by such a casino licensee.

     h.     A casino licensee shall be responsible for any violation or deviation from the terms of a junket. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this act, the division may order restitution to junket participants, assess penalties for such violations or deviations, prohibit future junkets by the casino licensee, junket enterprise or junket representative, and order such further relief as it deems appropriate.

     i.      The division shall, by regulation, prescribe methods, procedures and forms for the delivery and retention of information concerning the conduct of junkets by casino licensees. Without limitation of the foregoing, each casino licensee, in accordance with the rules of the division, shall:

     (1)   Maintain on file a report describing the operation of any junket engaged in on its premises;

     (2)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1995, c.18.).

     (3)   Submit to the division a list of all its employees who are acting as junket representatives.

     j.     Each casino licensee, junket representative or junket enterprise shall, in accordance with the rules of the division, file a report with the division with respect to each list of junket patrons or potential junket patrons purchased directly or indirectly by the casino licensee, junket representative or enterprise.

     k.    The division shall have the authority to determine, either by regulation, or upon petition by the holder of a casino license, that a type of arrangement otherwise included within the definition of "junket" established by section 29 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-29) shall not require compliance with any or all of the requirements of this section. In granting exemptions, the division shall consider such factors as the nature, volume and significance of the particular type of arrangement, and whether the exemption would be consistent with the public policies established by this act. In applying the provisions of this subsection, the division may condition, limit, or restrict any exemption as the commission may deem appropriate.

     l.      No junket enterprise or junket representative or person acting as a junket representative may:

     (1)   Engage in efforts to collect upon checks that have been returned by banks without full and final payment;

     (2)   Exercise approval authority with regard to the authorization or issuance of credit pursuant to section 101 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-101);

     (3)   Act on behalf of or under any arrangement with a casino licensee or a gaming patron with regard to the redemption, consolidation, or substitution of the gaming patron's checks awaiting deposit pursuant to subsection c. of section 101 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-101);

     (4)   Individually receive or retain any fee from a patron for the privilege of participating in a junket;

     (5)   Pay for any services, including transportation, or other items of value provided to, or for the benefit of, any patron participating in a junket.

     m.    No casino licensee shall offer or provide any complimentary services, gifts, cash or other items of value to any person unless:

     (1)   The complimentary consists of room, food, beverage, transportation, or entertainment expenses provided directly to the patron and his guests by the licensee or indirectly to the patron and his guests on behalf of a licensee by a third party; or

     (2)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.36); or

     (3)   The complimentary consists of coins, tokens, cash or other complimentary items or services provided through a bus coupon or other complimentary distribution program which, notwithstanding the requirements of section 99 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-99), shall be maintained pursuant to regulation and made available for inspection by the division.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, a casino licensee may offer and provide complimentary cash or noncash gifts which are not otherwise included in paragraphs (1) and (3) of this subsection to any person, provided that any such gifts in excess of $2,000.00, or such greater amount as the division may establish by regulation, are supported by documentation regarding the reason the gift was provided to the patron and his guests, including where applicable, a patron's player rating, which documentation shall be maintained by the casino licensee.

     Each casino licensee shall maintain a regulated complimentary service account, for those complimentaries which are permitted pursuant to this section, and shall submit a quarterly report to the division based upon such account and covering all complimentary services offered or engaged in by the licensee during the immediately preceding quarter. Such reports shall include identification of the regulated complimentary services and their respective costs, the number of persons by category of service who received the same, and such other information as the division may require.

     n.     As used in this subsection, "person" means any State officer or employee subject to financial disclosure by law or executive order and any other State officer or employee with responsibility for matters affecting casino activity; any special State officer or employee with responsibility for matters affecting casino activity; the Governor; any member of the Legislature or full-time member of the Judiciary; any full-time professional employee of the Office of the Governor, or the Legislature; members of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; the head of a principal department; the assistant or deputy heads of a principal department, including all assistant and deputy commissioners; the head of any division of a principal department; any member of the governing body, or the municipal judge or the municipal attorney of a municipality wherein a casino is located; any member of or attorney for the planning board or zoning board of adjustment of a municipality wherein a casino is located, or any professional planner or consultant regularly employed or retained by such planning board or zoning board of adjustment.

     No casino applicant or licensee shall provide directly or indirectly to any person any complimentary service or discount which is other than such service or discount that is offered to members of the general public in like circumstance.

     o.    (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2011, c.19)²

(cf: P.L.2011, c.19, s.71)

²[7.] 10.²   Section 104 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-104) is amended to read as follows:

     104.  a. Unless otherwise provided in this subsection, no agreement shall be lawful which provides for the payment, however defined, of any direct or indirect interest, percentage or share of: any money or property gambled at a casino or simulcasting facility; any money or property derived from casino gaming activity or wagering at a simulcasting facility; or any revenues, profits or earnings of a casino or simulcasting facility. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

     (1)   Agreements which provide only for the payment of a fixed sum which is in no way affected by the amount of any such money, property, revenues, profits or earnings shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection; and receipts, rentals or charges for real property, personal property or services shall not lose their character as payments of a fixed sum because of contract, lease, or license provisions for adjustments in charges, rentals or fees on account of changes in taxes or assessments, cost-of-living index escalations, expansion or improvement of facilities, or changes in services supplied.

     (2)   [(Deleted by amendment, P.L.2011, c.19)] Agreements between a casino licensee and a junket enterprise or junket representative licensed, qualified or registered in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.) and the regulations of the division which provide for the compensation of the junket enterprise or junket representative by the casino licensee based upon the actual casino gaming or simulcast wagering activities of a patron procured or referred by the junket enterprise or junket representative shall be lawful if filed with the division prior to the conduct of any junket that is governed by the agreement.

     (3)   Agreements between a casino licensee and its employees which provide for casino employee or casino key employee profit sharing shall be lawful if the agreement is in writing and filed with the division prior to its effective date. Such agreements may be reviewed by the division under any relevant provision of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.).

     (4)   Agreements to lease an approved casino hotel or the land thereunder and agreements for the complete management of all casino gaming operations in a casino hotel shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection but shall rather be subject to the provisions of subsections b. and c. of section 82 of this act.

     (5)   Agreements which provide for percentage charges between the casino licensee and a holding company or intermediary company of the casino licensee shall be in writing and filed with the division but shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection.

     (6)   Agreements relating to simulcast racing and wagering between a casino licensee and an in-State or out-of-State sending track licensed or exempt from licensure in accordance with section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) shall be in writing, be filed with the division, and be lawful and effective only if expressly approved as to their terms by the division and the New Jersey Racing Commission, except that any such agreements which provide for a percentage of the parimutuel pool wagered at a simulcasting facility to be paid to the sending track shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection.

     (7)   Agreements relating to simulcast racing and wagering between a casino licensee and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) as a hub facility, as defined in joint regulations of the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the New Jersey Racing Commission, shall be in writing, be filed with the commission, and be lawful and effective only if expressly approved as to their terms by the commission and the New Jersey Racing Commission, except that any such agreements which provide for a percentage of the casino licensee's share of the parimutuel pool wagered at a simulcasting facility to be paid to the hub facility shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection.

     (8)   Agreements relating to simulcast racing and wagering between a casino licensee and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92) to conduct casino simulcasting in a simulcasting facility shall be in writing, be filed with the commission, and be lawful and effective only if expressly approved as to their terms by the commission, except that any such agreements which provide for a percentage of the casino licensee's share of the parimutuel pool wagered at a simulcasting facility to be paid to the casino service industry enterprise shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection.

     (9)   Written agreements relating to the operation of multi-casino ³or multi-state³ progressive slot machine systems between one or more casino licensees and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), or an eligible applicant for such license, which provide for an interest, percentage or share of the casino licensee's revenues, profits or earnings from the operation of such multi-casino ³or multi-state³ progressive slot machines to be paid to the casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection if the agreements are filed with and approved by the division.

     (10) A written agreement between a casino licensee and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), or an eligible applicant for such license, relating to the construction, renovation or operation of qualifying sleeping units, as defined in section 27 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-27), or of non-gaming amenities, as defined by the division, within the limits of the city of Atlantic City, regardless of whether such qualifying sleeping units or non-gaming amenities are connected to a casino hotel facility, which provides for an interest, percentage or share of the casino licensee's revenues, profits or earnings, not to exceed 5% of the casino licensee's revenues, to be paid to the casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant in return for the construction, renovation or operation of such qualifying sleeping units or non-gaming amenities shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection provided that: (i) the agreement requires a capital investment, at least 10% of which shall be made by the casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant over the term of the agreement, of not less than $30 million, which minimum amount shall be adjusted periodically by the division for inflation; (ii) the division finds that the total amount of casino revenues, profits or earnings that can be paid to the casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant pursuant to this agreement is commercially reasonable under the circumstances; and (iii) the agreement is filed with and approved by the division.

²[(11) A written agreement for the purchase or lease of slot machines between a casino licensee and a casino service industry enterprise licensed pursuant to subsection a. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), or an eligible applicant for a license, which provides for the payment to the casino service industry enterprise licensee or applicant of an interest, percentage, or share of the proceeds from the operation of those slot machines shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection, if the agreement is filed with and approved by the division.]²

     b.    Each casino applicant or licensee shall maintain, in accordance with the rules of the division, a record of each written or unwritten agreement regarding the realty, construction, maintenance, or business of a proposed or existing casino hotel or related facility. The foregoing obligation shall apply regardless of whether the casino applicant or licensee is a party to the agreement. Any such agreement may be reviewed by the division on the basis of the reasonableness of its terms, including the terms of compensation, and of the qualifications of the owners, officers, employees, and directors of any enterprise involved in the agreement, which qualifications shall be reviewed according to the standards enumerated in section 86 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-86). If the division disapproves such an agreement or the owners, officers, employees, or directors of any enterprise involved therein, the division may require its termination.

     Every agreement required to be maintained, and every related agreement the performance of which is dependent upon the performance of any such agreement, shall be deemed to include a provision to the effect that, if the commission shall require termination of an agreement pursuant to its authority under P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.), such termination shall occur without liability on the part of the casino applicant or licensee or any qualified party to the agreement or any related agreement. Failure expressly to include such a provision in the agreement shall not constitute a defense in any action brought to terminate the agreement. If the agreement is not maintained or presented to the commission in accordance with division regulations, or the disapproved agreement is not terminated, the division may pursue any remedy or combination of remedies provided in this act.

     For the purposes of this subsection, "casino applicant" includes any person required to hold a casino license pursuant to section 82 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-82) who has applied to the division for a casino license or any approval required under P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-1 et seq.).

     c.     Nothing in this act shall be deemed to permit the transfer of any license, or any interest in any license, or any certificate of compliance or any commitment or reservation.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.19, s.73)

²[8.] 11.²   Section 55 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-55) is amended to read as follows:

     55.  Division of gaming enforcement. There is hereby established in the Department of Law and Public Safety the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The division shall be under the immediate supervision of a director who shall also be sworn as an Assistant Attorney General and who shall administer the work of the division under the direction and supervision of the Attorney General. The director shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve during the term of office of the Governor, except that the first director shall be appointed for a term of 2 years. The director may be removed from office by the Attorney General for cause upon notice and opportunity to be heard.

     The director and any employee or agent of the division shall be subject to the duty to appear and testify and to removal from his office, position or employment in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1970, c.72 (C.2A:81-17.2a et seq.). The Attorney General shall be responsible for the exercise of the duties and powers assigned to the division.

     The division shall be located in Atlantic City, except that the division may maintain a secondary satellite office in Trenton, which shall not be the primary office, if deemed necessary for the effective performance of its duties and responsibilities.

     If, as a result of the transfer of duties and responsibilities from the Casino Control Commission to the division in accordance with P.L.2011, c.19 (C.5:12-6.1 et al.), the division needs to employ an individual to fill a position, former employees of the commission who performed the duties of the position to be filled shall be given a one-time right of first refusal offer of employment with the division, and such employees may be removed by the division for cause or if deemed unqualified to hold the position, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary.  An individual formerly employed by the commission who becomes employed by the division shall retain as an employee of the division the seniority, and all rights related to seniority, that the employee had with the commission as of the last day of employment with the commission ³; provided, however, that such seniority and seniority rights shall be retained only by an employee who was transferred from employment with the commission to employment with the division, and shall not be retained by an employee who was removed from employment with the commission due to layoff procedures or who resigned from a position with the commission prior to being hired by the division³ .

(cf:  P.L.2011, c.19, s.124)

³12.  Section 5 of P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-219) is amended to read as follows:

     5.    a.  (1) There shall be established by resolution of the authority the Atlantic City Tourism District, which shall consist of those lands within Atlantic City that comprise an area to be designated by the resolution.  The area so designated shall include the facilities comprising licensed Atlantic City casinos, casino hotels, and any appurtenant property, any property under the ownership or control of the authority, the Atlantic City Special Improvement District established by ordinance of the City of Atlantic City, any property under the ownership or control of the convention center authority prior to the transfer date, any property within Atlantic City under the ownership or control of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority established pursuant to P.L.1971, c.137 (C.5:10-1 et seq.) prior to the transfer date, the Atlantic City Convention Center, Boardwalk Hall and any part of the property consisting of the Atlantic City convention center project prior to the transfer date, and any specified part of Atlantic City which the authority finds by resolution to be an area in which the majority of private entities are engaged primarily in the tourism trade, and the majority of public entities, if any, serve the tourism industry.  Notwithstanding section 7 of P.L.1984, c.218 (C.5:12-155), the authority shall adopt the resolution by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting members of the authority no more than 90 days after the effective date of P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-218 et al.).  Notwithstanding section 7 of P.L.1984, c.218, adoption by the authority of any subsequent resolution to revise, in a manner consistent with this subsection, the area designated as comprising the tourism district shall also be by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting members of the authority.

     (2)   If, on the 91st day after the effective date of P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-218 et al.), the authority has not adopted the resolution establishing the tourism district as provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the authority shall carry out the purposes of P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-218 et al.) within the following areas of Atlantic City:

     (a)   the area known as Bader Field;

     (b)   the area known as the Marina District beginning at a point north of White Horse Pike and continuing northwesterly along State Route 87 and Huron Avenue, and the casinos and hotels adjacent thereto, and bounded to the east by the body of water known as Clam Thorofare and bounded to the west by Huron Avenue and which area shall also encompass the area known as Farley Marina; and

     (c)   all that certain area bounded by a line, having as its point of origin the intersection of Kingston Avenue and Ventnor Avenue, which line of boundary proceeds from that point of origin as follows: 

     Northeasterly along Ventnor Avenue to its junction with Capt. John A. O'Donnell Parkway;

     Thence northeasterly along that Parkway to its intersection with Atlantic Avenue;

     Thence northeasterly along Atlantic Avenue to its junction with Florida Avenue;

     Thence northwesterly along Florida Avenue to its junction with North Turnpike Road;

     Thence northwesterly along North Turnpike Road to its junction with Sunset Avenue;

     Thence along Sunset Avenue as it curves to its intersection with Mediterranean Avenue;

     Thence northeasterly along Mediterranean Avenue to its junction with North Mississippi Avenue;

     Thence continuing southeasterly along North Mississippi Avenue to its junction with Fairmont Avenue;

     Thence northeasterly along Fairmount Avenue to its intersection with Christopher Columbus Boulevard;

     Thence northwesterly along Christopher Columbus Boulevard to the point at which it borders the Atlantic City Expressway, to its junction with the Atlantic City Expressway and Arkansas Avenue;

     Thence continuing westerly and northerly along the perimeter of the Atlantic City Expressway along the points of that perimeter to the point at which the perimeter is parallel to the northwest facing perimeter of the property encompassing the Atlantic City Convention Center;

     Thence continuing southerly and westerly along the northwest facing perimeter of the property encompassing the Atlantic City Convention Center to the point at which such property, and any property immediately adjacent thereto, intersects with Bacharach Boulevard;

     Thence continuing southerly and easterly along Bacharach Boulevard to its junction with Arctic Avenue;

     Thence continuing northeasterly along Arctic Avenue to its junction with Tennessee Avenue;

     Thence continuing southeasterly along Tennessee Avenue to its junction with Atlantic Avenue;

     Thence continuing northeasterly along Atlantic Avenue at a width extending westerly of 100 feet from all points along the western side of Atlantic Avenue to its junction with Maine Avenue;

     Thence continuing from the intersection of Maine Avenue and Atlantic Avenue easterly in a line extending through the Boardwalk and beach, to the tidal shore of Atlantic City;

     Thence continuing from the intersection of the end point of that line and the tidal shore, southerly along the tidal shores as it jogs and curves to the point the tidal shore turns to a southwesterly direction;

     Thence continuing along such southwesterly direction of the tidal shores as it jogs and curves to the point on the tidal shore at which the shoreline would intersect with a straight-line projection oceanward of southern Kingston Avenue;

     Thence continuing northerly and westerly along Kingston Avenue to its junction with Ventnor Avenue.

     b.    Upon and after the adoption, pursuant to subsection a. of this section, of the resolution establishing the tourism district, or upon and after the establishment of the tourism district under paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section, as appropriate the authority shall have jurisdiction within the tourism district to impose land use regulations, implement development and design guidelines and implement initiatives that promote cleanliness, commercial development, and safety, undertake redevelopment projects, and institute public safety improvements in coordination with security and law enforcement personnel.

     c. (1) Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, upon and after the adoption, pursuant to subsection a. of this section, of the resolution establishing the tourism district, or upon and after the establishment of the tourism district under paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section, as appropriate, the authority shall have, in conjunction with the appropriate road and highway authority or authorities, as appropriate, jurisdiction with respect to the approval of development projects upon those roads and highways over which such road and highway authority or authorities have jurisdiction as of the date of enactment of P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-218 et al.).

     (2)   Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, upon and after the adoption, pursuant to subsection a. of this section, of the resolution establishing the tourism district, or upon and after this establishment of the tourism district under paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section, as appropriate, the authority shall have, with respect to the roads and highways located within the tourism district, exclusive jurisdiction with respect to the promulgation of rules and regulations affecting the control and direction of traffic within the tourism district.

     d.    The authority may, by resolution, authorize the commencement of studies and the development of preliminary plans and specifications relating to the creation and maintenance of the tourism district.  These studies and plans shall include, whenever possible, estimates of construction and maintenance costs, and may include criteria to regulate the construction and alteration of facades of buildings and structures in a manner which promotes unified or compatible design.

     e.     In furtherance of the development of an economically viable and sustainable tourism district, the authority shall, within one year after the date of enactment of P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-218 et al.), adopt a tourism district master plan.  The authority shall initiate a joint planning process with the participation of: State departments and agencies, corporations, commissions, boards, and, prior to the transfer date, the convention center authority; metropolitan planning organizations; Atlantic County; Atlantic City; and appropriate private interests.

     f.     After the creation of the tourism district pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the authority shall create a commission to be known as the Atlantic City Tourism District Advisory Commission, or "ACT Commission," consisting of members to be appointed by the authority. Persons appointed as members of the commission shall include public officials of Atlantic City and Atlantic County, representatives of the casino and tourism industries, public citizens, and any other individual or organization the authority deems appropriate.  The commission shall be authorized to review the authority's annual budget and the authority's plans concerning the tourism district.  The commission shall, from time to time, make recommendations to the authority concerning the authority's development and implementation of the tourism district master plan, and the authority shall give due consideration to those recommendations.  In order to ensure coordination, compatibility, and consistency between the tourism district master plan and the city's master plan, the authority shall consult with the city in developing the tourism district master plan.

     g.     The tourism district master plan shall establish goals, policies, needs, and improvement of the tourism district, the implementation of clean and safe initiatives, and the expansion of the Atlantic City boardwalk area to reflect an authentic New Jersey boardwalk experience.  The authority may consult with public and private entities, including, but not limited to, those entities that are present in, or that have been involved with the development of, boardwalk areas in New Jersey such as the boardwalk areas of Ocean City, the Wildwoods, and Cape May.

     h.     In developing the tourism district master plan, the authority shall place special emphasis upon the following:

     (1)   the facilitation, with minimal government direction, of the investment of private capital in the tourism district in a manner that promotes economic development;

     (2)   making use of marina facilities in a way that increases economic activity;

     (3)   the development of the boardwalk area;

     (4)   the development of the Marina District; and

     (5)   the development of nongaming, family centered tourism related activities such as amusement parks.

     i.      The authority shall solicit funds from private sources to aid in support of the tourism district.

     j.     The authority shall administer and manage the tourism district and carry out such additional functions as provided under P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-218 et al.).  The authority shall oversee the redevelopment of the tourism district and implementation of the tourism district master plan.  The authority shall enter into agreements with public and private entities for the purposes of promoting the economic and general welfare of Atlantic City and the tourism district. Any resolution adopted by the city of Atlantic City to establish a program of municipal financial assistance, in the form of grants, loans, tax credits or abatements, or other incentives, or to enter into an agreement providing such financial assistance, to support a development or redevelopment project located within the tourism district shall require the approval of the authority.  If such resolution shall receive the approval of the authority, then notwithstanding any law, rule, or order to the contrary, the program may be implemented by the mayor without the adoption of any municipal ordinance.  A program adopted pursuant to this subsection shall not be subject to repeal or suspension by voter initiative.

     k.    [The] Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the authority shall provide that all available assets and revenues of the authority shall be devoted to the purposes of the tourism district and community development in Atlantic City, unless otherwise provided by contract entered into prior to the effective date of P.L.2011, c.18 (C.5:12-218 et al.) [or by law].

     l.      The authority shall coordinate and collaborate with the city of Atlantic City Planning and Zoning Departments with respect to code enforcement, planning and zoning.  The authority shall coordinate and collaborate with any of the city's departments, agencies, and authorities with respect to administrative operations relating to the implementation of the tourism district master plan.  If the city determines that it is unable to coordinate and collaborate with the authority pursuant to this subsection, the Department of Community Affairs, shall, at the request of the authority, assume jurisdiction over the Atlantic City Planning and Zoning Departments and any other appropriate departments, agencies, or authorities of the city responsible for code enforcement and administrative operations of the city to provide that the authority shall receive necessary assistance regarding code enforcement and administrative actions undertaken in its implementation of the tourism district master plan.  The assumption of jurisdiction by the Department of Community Affairs over any department, agency, or authority of the city, undertaken pursuant to this subsection, shall not be construed as affecting the jurisdiction of any such department, agency, or authority, or of the city, with respect to regulatory control or the provision of services by the city, unless such regulatory control or provision of services is directly related to the provision of assistance to the authority regarding code enforcement and administrative actions undertaken in furtherance of the implementation of the tourism district master plan.

     m.    Two years after the adoption of the tourism district master plan, the authority shall conduct a formal evaluation of the plan to assess the functionality of its implementation.  The authority may make any changes concerning its implementation of the master plan, as necessary, to improve its functionality.  Such changes may include the reallocation of the resources of any division under the authority's jurisdiction and the reorganization of the functions and operations of those entities which pertain to the tourism district master plan.  The authority may make any changes concerning the employment of authority employees which would improve the functionality of the authority's implementation of the master plan.³

(cf: P.L.2011, c.18, s.5)

³13.  (New section)  a.  Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the Division of Gaming Enforcement may authorize the use of mobile gaming devices approved by the division within an approved hotel facility that operates a sports pool pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2011, c.231 (C.5:12A-1 et seq.), to enable a player to place wagers on sports or athletic events, provided the player has established an account with the casino licensee, the wager is placed by and the winnings are paid to the patron in person within the approved hotel facility, the mobile gaming device is inoperable outside the approved hotel facility, and provided that the division may establish any additional or more stringent licensing or other regulatory requirements necessary for the proper implementation and conduct of mobile gaming as authorized by this section. 

For the purposes of this subsection, the approved hotel facility shall include any area located within the property boundaries of the casino hotel facility, including any outdoor recreation area or swimming pool, where mobile gaming devices may be used by patrons in accordance with this section, but excluding parking garages or parking areas, provided that mobile gaming shall not extend outside of the property boundaries of the casino hotel facility.

b.    Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the New Jersey Racing Commission may authorize the use of mobile gaming devices approved by the division and the commission within a racetrack that operates a sports pool pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2011, c.231 (C.5:12A-1 et seq.), to enable a player to place wagers on sports or athletic events, provided the player has established an account with the permitholder, the wager is placed by and the winnings are paid to the patron in person within the racetrack, the mobile gaming device is inoperable outside the racetrack, and provided that the division and the commission may establish any additional or more stringent licensing or other regulatory requirements necessary for the proper implementation and conduct of mobile gaming as authorized by this section. 

For the purposes of this subsection, a racetrack shall include any area located within the property boundaries of the racetrack facility where mobile gaming devices may be used by patrons in accordance with this subsection, but excluding parking garages or parking areas, provided that mobile gaming shall not extend outside of the property boundaries of the racetrack.³

²[9.] ³[12.²] 14.³  This act shall take effect immediately.

     Makes various changes regarding regulation of casino gaming; limits use of certain Casino Reinvestment Development Authority assets and revenues; permits use of mobile devices at casinos and racetracks to place wagers on sports or athletic events.