The Division is currently authorized to approve skill-based games and is eager to receive skill-based game submissions for review. Social and skill-based gaming options such as  Candy Crush and Words with Friends type games appeal to a new generation of players. Both the casino regulators and industry are trying to find ways to incorporate this type of play into the casino wagering environment. The Division has engaged in numerous discussions with gaming stakeholders and encouraged both Atlantic City's casinos and its gaming equipment vendors to submit such new games under the NJ First program.

P.L 2011, chapter. 19, which was designed to revitalize the gaming and tourism industries in Atlantic City, includes a provision referred to as "New Jersey First." This provision allows gaming products, which are submitted to New Jersey prior to or simultaneously with any other jurisdiction or testing lab, to be tested and, if approved, put on the casino floor within 14 days.
 
The concept of combining skill-based and social elements to a casino game has broad-based appeal. It will appeal to a larger segment of the population and bring more customers to a casino's slot floor or to their Internet website. Social gamers are already familiar with these type of games and they would be likely be willing to try them out for real money casino gaming.

Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck stated: “Given the success of our New Jersey First program over the past 3 years, we have the fastest time to market for electronic gaming equipment anywhere in the country. The Division is authorized to implement this approach and move forward with products. Bring your innovative skill-based games to New Jersey and we will work with you to get them approved quickly.”

The convergence of social gaming with casino gaming will result in a new category of casino gaming. The Division has been working with various vendors who are generating innovative and exciting products which have never been seen before on a casino floor. With the changing market and demographics of the casino industry, skill-based gaming could provide a great opportunity for the Atlantic City gaming industry.

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