The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has announced this week that licensees, who still expect a launch date of mid to late November for the state's online gambling, must have any partnerships envisaged notified by June 29 2013.
There is a risk for operators who fail to declare their partnerships to miss the implementation date and fall behind competitors in the new market. And successful partnerships will probably be publicised sometime in July.
Non-US online gambling companies will be particularly interested in the deadline, seeking a bridgehead in NJ through partnership deals with Atlantic City land casino operators. Some European online gambling groups already have a foot in the door, with Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment most notably forging a deal with the Borgata.
Given the widespread appeal of the New Jersey market, partnerships are likely to be in demand. As for the licensing, it will be restricted but will include partnerships with experienced internet gambling companies as well.
