N.J., Nevada agree to interstate slot jackpot partnership

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement announced Thursday that the state is partnering with Nevada to offer an interstate slot jackpot through “wide area progressives,” slot machines based in multiple casinos that link together to yield high jackpots.This is the first agreement between the two states. The DGE approved regulations in February paving the way for interstate progressive slot machines and has since seen Atlantic City slots linked to machines in South Dakota through International Game Technology.

The DGE says it is open to discussing potential partnerships with any other willing gaming jurisdiction.

“The Division is pleased to have been at the forefront of passing regulations and reaching out to other jurisdictions to enable this expanded gaming opportunity for Atlantic City,” DGE Director David Rebuck said. “We commend the efforts of the regulators, vendors and casinos that have made this possible.”

Through Bally Technologies Cash Connection, more than 100 slot machines in Atlantic City will be paired with over 600 Nevada-based machines, a move the DGE says will increase progressive jackpot amounts “dramatically.”

“Much like multistate lotteries, this new technology and cooperative regulatory agreements will allow combined progressive jackpots to grow, which should be very appealing to players looking for the opportunity to play for huge jackpots,” Rebuck said.

In its release Thursday, the DGE was quick to note that neighboring gaming competitors Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania either do not have the needed machines or do not offer wide area progressive slot machines.

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