STATESIDE
This dragged on for several weeks, and until the lift company straightened it out, we withheld final payment. I have little expectation that anyone in the inspections’ office will be accountable, despite the costs and wasted time of repeatedly returning to inspect. It reminded me of what a speaker described at a convention seminar I once attended in New Orleans. He claimed many people he had interacted with wanted a “position, but not a job.” Get it? Titles are great, but doing the work, not so
much. Of course, before you question my generalization, I am preempting that conversation because nothing is ever so broadly universal. Case in point are the hardworking governmental gaming regulators who span dozens of states nationwide. Their work is critically important for several reasons. First, they guarantee the integrity of the casino games. Second, they protect and evaluate new technology to ensure regulatory compliance. Third, they ensure all money wagered and paid out is handled appropriately. Fourth, they strive to safeguard that all casino gamblers are of age and not excluded for compulsive gambling problems. The more types of gaming that are legalized, the more crucial competent regulation becomes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision, sports betting has exploded, which has compelled regulators to remain on top of their game-not to make a pun. Ohio is the latest state to debut its sports betting
program on January 1. Looking ahead, several states may potentially launch their own sports betting model in 2023. So many regulators are really good, but my vote for the
really excellent goes to Director David Rebuck of the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). Since 2011, he has presided over the agency that has complete investigative power. During his term, New Jersey has led gaming’s expansion nationwide, starting with legalizing online casinos and poker rooms in 2013. Then came sports betting in 2019, starting in New
Jersey. After former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, plus the Atlantic City casinos, persevered for years through multiple unsuccessful court cases, they got the green light in 2018. Once again, Rebuck’s DGE jumped into action.
Rebuck hopes to finally retire this summer. Whoever
takes over the DGE has big shoes to fill. Hundreds of Rebuck counterparts and agents
nationwide have the same mandate. While their individual land-based, riverboat, online or sports betting programs may differ, these folks as a group step up to get it right. Over 29 years of reporting, I have listened to dozens of
regulators and other government officials at seminars. They have offered solid advice to help both manufacturers and operators expedite approvals and uncomplicate their applications. All seem to want to streamline the process for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Their workload will again increase as new laws took effect last month. Many states have announced mandated minimum wage increases, so I will try to analyze their impact on gaming states for next month. While workers will enjoy these raises, they may have
repercussions on casinos and suppliers. Will there be enough business to compensate for the additional costs? Will there be layoffs, especially in the restaurant sector of casino properties? Turnover is constant in the food services industry and already impacts casino dining hours. Finally, I want to welcome new Managing Editor Matt
Broughton to his position. I didn’t work with Matt years ago when he edited the GIO pages, but he clearly had the support of our former editor Jon Bruford. Knowing Jon as I do, he would have to feel comfortable
passing the editorial “torch” to Matt. That is great news for me, my international colleagues and our global readership. After years of multiple predecessors, Jon joined Casino
International as Managing Editor in 2005. I worked with Jon throughout those 17 years and we experienced many industry changes together. I always appreciated his trust in me regarding the American market. Jon often left me to my own devices since I had already spent almost 12 years working in the U.S. gaming media before he arrived. Congratulations, Matt. As you begin your own tenure at CI, good luck in this challenging world. If we have learned anything since 2020, unexpected events can upend everything.
I’m confident you will rise to the occasion if necessary.
12 FEBRUARY 2023
Photo by Jimmy on Unsplash
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