The development of gaming regulation in New Jersey doesn’t possess the long history of Nevada. The original establishment of control agencies, licensing policies and taxation policies took place in 1969 by the New Jersey Legislature after a public referendum that permitted casino gambling in Atlantic City was passed. Since the original procedures were set up a few important changes have been made. The gaming laws in New Jersey were created in conjunction with an entire plan for economic revitalization of the Atlantic City area.

The main governing bodies are the Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The Casino Control Commission is a five-member full-time board. There are no specific background requirements for one to become a member. The Control Commission retains its own legal staff, which can operate independently of the legal staff of the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the state attorney general. The Casino Control Commission is responsible for licensing, revocation and conditioning. It also sets rules and regulations for collection of gaming taxes and license fees and the execution of gaming statues.

The original requirements for casino licensing of all workers in support of casino industries made it impossible to complete the licensing evaluation before the dates when the casinos were scheduled to open. Therefore, the Casino Control Commission established the granting of six-month temporary licenses, which could become permanent upon subsequent approval.

Originally, the Casino Control Commission had five members. However, one of New Jersey’s part-time commissioners was found guilty of taking a bribe to secure a casino license for an undesirable person. When this took place, the Control Commission was changed from part-time to full-time. People felt that a full-time commission would be better kept outside of influence from biased parties.

Another change was connected to the licensing of Caesars Boardwalk Regency Hotel and Casino. The company received a temporary license. During the hearing for the permanent license, the commission learned that the major shareholders of Caesars World, the Pearlman brothers, had previously been involved in organized crime. The permanent license was only allowed when the Pearlmans stepped down from management. The courts affirmed the action of the Casino Control Commission and thereby gave the commission more power.