What is the Casino Control Commission (CCC)?

In 1977 the Casino Control Commission (CCC) became New Jersey’s Gaming Control Board. As an independent licensing authority in New Jersey, it helps to promote public trust and confidence in the integrity and credibility of the gaming industry. The Commission has its headquarters in Atlantic City where it considers license applications. It also hears appeals against decisions made by the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

The New Jersey Casino Control Act

In New Jersey, land-based casinos and online gaming are legal, and the New Jersey Casino Control Act governs them. A New Jersey online casino has to operate within the regulations of the New Jersey Casino Control Act. Sports wagering is also covered under the same act. The Casino Control Commission is responsible under the Casino Control Act for licensing Atlantic City’s casinos and key employees.

Commissioners and divisions

Throughout the years, commissioners helped to maintain integrity standards in gambling. This commitment was seen when it fined Caesars $257,000 in 1983 for various offenses.

Today, the Casino Control Commission consists of three members, a chairperson and two commissioners. The Governor appoints them and the State Senate must confirm them. When 2017 drew to a close, Governor Christie appointed James T. Plousis as the eighth chairperson of the Commission and he is still in this position today. Members of the Commission serve staggered five-year terms.

The divisions of the Casino Control Commission are the Commissioners’ Office, General Counsel’s Office, and Chief of Staff Office. The gambling laws and efforts of the divisions of the CCC create an environment for casinos in New Jersey to flourish and citizens to gamble safely.

Considering license applications

By 1979, many casino proposals were received by the Commission and every meeting was packed with prospective employers wanting to know when they would be licensed. Through the years, it has kept up the pace of licensing casinos. Today, the Commission holds regular public meetings to consider applications for licenses. It has to consider all pertinent information, including investigative results and recommendations from the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Employees who work in casinos may require a license or registration depending on the type of work they perform. Those involved in the operation of a casino in a supervisory capacity or who make discretionary decisions on casino operations must obtain a Casino Key Employee License from the Commission. This includes employees such as shift bosses, pit bosses, marketing directors, online cashier supervisors, and credit executives.

The work of the Casino Gambling Commission is helping to promote the credibility of online gambling while remote work is redefining the future for the next generation. Remote workers are increasingly playing online games to relieve stress and find more of a work/life balance.

The General Counsel’s Office

The General Counsel’s Office is responsible for conducting contested case hearings. Many conditions and regulations apply to holders of casino licenses. For example, licensees may only offer authorized casino games and sports betting markets to the public. If they violate regulations, the Division of Gaming Enforcement may issue monetary fines, penalties, or even revoke a license.

The cases the General Counsel Office takes on may relate to casino key employee license matters. It may also deal with appeals against the penalties or decisions the Division of Gaming Enforcement imposes.