Atlantic City poker dealers under threat?

Following approval to test by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, 11 Atlantic City casinos may now move ahead with plans to test electronic poker and roulette tables, a controversial initiative that could cut down on the number of human dealers necessary.

"I think it adds a new element to the Atlantic City market," Casino Control Commission Chair Linda M. Kassekert told reporters, "and [it] is particularly important because Pennsylvania and Delaware have them." She was referring to the growing competition from neighbouring states' slot parlors, which have already incorporated electronic blackjack, poker and baccarat tables into their offerings.

"We're approving them because I think they're a very important product for Atlantic City," Kassekert added.

Commission spokesmen revealed that the intention is not to completely replace live dealers in Atlantic City, but is rather an attempt to retrieve slot players from the neighbouring states and acquire those players who find electronic table games less intimidating than playing with live dealers

The versions used in New Jersey will be slightly different than those on offer in the slot parlors also. Electronic poker tables will look like real poker tables, with seats for all of the players, but with individual screens where they will read their cards. Roulette tables will still have a live dealer and wheel, but bets and payouts will be made electronically.

So far, none of the casinos have stepped forward to start the testing procedures, and there is no timetable envisaged.