This is primarily due to passing laws that permit gambling in the state much after Nevada. Also, prior to the laws being passed, there were several types of gambling already authorized. The laws were passed later due to the long history of organized crime in the state. Officials worried about regulating a clean gaming business.

At the time, Nevada gaming held a reputation of being captive in the industry. New Jersey wanted their establishments, workers and overall standards to lead the industry and consistently be exemplary. To some extent, they were successful in following their blueprint. As time passed, the gaming laws loosened allowing casinos to increase advertising and reduce labor by eliminating specific functions.

The state level is divided between an investigating office under the Attorney General and an adjunctive function. The structure is modeled after Nevada. The two departments are divided into:

• The Casino Control Commission
• The Division of Gaming Enforcement

The Casino Control Commission licenses all casinos, their employees and the numerous firms the casino conducts business with. The commission consists of five members, three cannot be from the same political party and falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Treasury. The members are appointed by the Governor for five-year terms.

The Division of Gaming Enforcement falls under the Attorney General’s Office. They are responsible for investigations regarding licensing applications as well as prosecuting violations prior to the commission.

Since the two agency system reviews the regulatory process, they are greatly valued in New Jersey and Nevada. Unfortunately on occasion, there are conflicting views and practices between the two agencies. In some cases, the commission will question the staff of the division and vice-versa. This causes resentment towards the other party.

The members on the board of both agencies must adhere to strict post-employment policies. They are usually not allowed to work in any type of casino-related job. This is an attempt to eliminate any type of link between the regulatory bodies and the casino industry. Like Nevada, New Jersey has an exemplary casino regulation system that continues to keep balance in the state.

Baccarat

Though many people are not familiar with the game, baccarat is a major hit in online casinos.  The object of the game is to draw a hand with a face value as close to 9 as possible.  You begin with two cards, add their value and if they equal 10 or higher, the first digit is discarded.  From there, you play the hand against the dealer.  In baccarat, the winner isn’t necessarily based on who has the better hand.  Instead, you place a wager on who you think will win a particular round – you or the dealer.  Make the right choice and you get paid out at the odds, no matter whether you lose the hand or not.

Blackjack

Originated centuries ago in Europe, Blackjack is one of the most exciting and easiest casino games to play.  The object is simple – draw your cards until the face value adds up 21 or close as possible.  You start out with two cards and can be hit with more until you decide to stay or get busted.  The dealer than draws until they reach 17 or bust.  You generally get paid 1:1 odds if you win.

Roulette

Poker is huge, but roulette is crowned as the “King of Casino Games.”  What makes roulette so fun is that it is a game of pure chance with little to no skill involved.  The wheel consists of number slots, usually colored black or red.  You place your bet on the number or color you think will come up, the dealer spins and drops a silver ball into the wheel, which bounces about until it stops at one of the slots and reveals the winning number.  If it stops on the one you chose, you could win big.

Slots

Online slots are basically the same as those you would find in a real casino.  Simply place your bet, pull the virtual level and the drums go spinning.  Once they stop, the images are aligned and of course, different configurations result in different payouts.  The most exciting part about online slots is the progressive jackpots as they tend to mount up very quickly.  Some pots even climb into the millions.

Video Poker

Just like Saturday night poker at your buddy’s house, the goal of video poker is to build the most powerful hand you possibly can.  You place your bet and the virtual dealer gives you five cards.  If you get something good on the first try, click the buttons underneath your cards to hold them.  The dealer discards the ones you don’t choose and deals you more cards, which result in your final hand.  With a good casino, the payouts are increasingly higher the better your hand gets.  With poker being such a phenomenon right now, finding a casino that offers video poker should be a breeze.