NEWARK - The Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC), the regulatory body that oversees New Jersey’s charitable gaming industry, this year enacted regulations that allow operators of bingo, raffles and casino nights to offer new games, with additional changes proposed and under consideration.

The LGCCC oversees the operation of games operated by approximately 12,000 charitable, educational, religious, patriotic, public-spirited organizations and senior citizen associations and clubs organizations that are currently registered to conduct games of chance. These organizations in 2007 generated $115.3 million in gross receipts versus $122.7 million in gross receipts in 2006. The net proceeds were $39.6 million in 2007 compared to $31.4 million in 2006.

“The LGCCC has acted, and is currently considering further regulatory changes, as our licensees work at providing popular games to boost fund raising for their programs,” said Scott Jenkins, Acting Executive Officer of the LGCCC. “The Commission is responding to public demand for certain games of chance as it continues to monitor the industry and enforce its rules and regulations.”

In 2008, the LGCCC approved Tournament Texas Hold' em in response to public interest in this game. This style of tournament play has become the most popular card game in the country, as demonstrated by televised tournaments. Players wager money against each other on the strength of their hands by placing bets in a common pot. These tournaments must be held in conjunction with a licensed casino night event and all equipment is provided by a licensed equipment supplier.

The LGCCC in 2008 also approved three card poker as a game of chance. This is a card game similar to stud poker in which the player has the choice of playing against the dealer, playing solely on his or her hand's value or doing both. Bonuses are awarded for certain qualifying hands.

Regulatory changes proposed in 2008 and under consideration currently include increasing the prize awards in bingo. Currently the maximum prize amount for a single occasion is $3,000 and the LGCCC has proposed to increase that prize amount by offering a $1,500 bonus not to exceed $500 in any single game.

Each group is required to submit a financial disclosure report to the LGCCC after any fund-raising event is held. LGCCC staff review these reports as part of its regulatory oversight of the industry.

The LGCCC may be contacted via its web, http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/lgccc.htm, or by calling 973-273-8000.

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