ASSEMBLY SENIOR ISSUES, TOURISM AND GAMING COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1812

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 16, 1996

      The Assembly Senior Issues, Tourism and Gaming Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1812.

      This bill changes the definition of casino from a "single room" to "one or more locations or rooms" approved by the Casino Control Commission for casino gaming in a casino hotel. Technological advances in video cameras have eliminated the need for casino catwalks for the observation of gaming and the need to keep casino space confined to a single room. The bill removes the requirement to fit casino expansions into a single room, which can be cumbersome or costly.

      The bill also allows the commission to designate areas in a casino hotel facility where keno tickets may be sold. Currently, keno tickets may be sold only inside the casino itself. The bill provides that keno tickets may be sold or redeemed at any location in a casino hotel approved by the commission for such activity.