NJ Eyes Hand-Held Gambling Devices in Casinos

Gamblers at Atlantic City casinos may someday be able to place bets while standing in line for dinner, in a lounge, or beside a swimming pool.

A proposal by state Sen. Jim Whelan, a former Atlantic City mayor, would let the casinos offer hand-held gambling devices to customers on casino property. The measure was approved Monday by the Senate’s Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee and now heads to the full Senate for review.

Whelan says the devices would give casinos another tool to engage younger gamblers who have grown up with smart phones and tablet computers.

He says the devices won’t work if taken off the casino premises.

Nevada approved hand-held gambling devices in 2006.

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