NJ Fines Evolution $12K Over Live Dealer Game Errors

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has fined Evolution Gaming $12,000 for violations at its Atlantic City live dealer studios. The company streams blackjack, roulette, and other tables to licensed platforms, making it a core supplier of online casino live dealer games within New Jersey’s regulated market. The incidents cited by regulators occurred between 2021 and 2023 and involved both blackjack and roulette sessions.

Blackjack Errors at Hard Rock

The first violation was reported in June 2021 at Evolution’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino studio. A blackjack dealer failed to deal himself a card during the opening round and attempted to continue the game by rearranging cards. Regulators classified this as improper procedure, and the dealer received formal discipline.

In January 2023, the Hard Rock studio was cited again when a blackjack table displayed incorrect felt rules for 26 hours. The felt incorrectly read “Dealer must stand on 17” instead of “Dealer must hit soft 17.” This error meant that dealers misplayed hands throughout that period.

Roulette Spin Standards Not Met

In March 2023, roulette games at the Hard Rock studio did not meet state requirements for proper spins. Regulations specify that the ball must complete at least four revolutions around the wheel before falling into a slot. Several dealers failed to meet this rule, and five staff members later told investigators they had not been aware of the standard.

The rule is designed to ensure fairness and randomness, as insufficient revolutions can affect outcomes.

Missing Cards in Blackjack Decks

The most serious violation occurred in September 2023 at Evolution’s Ocean Casino Resort studio. Over a 16-hour period, 438 rounds of blackjack were dealt with two decks that were missing a total of five cards. The error went unnoticed until much later, raising concerns about oversight and deck-checking procedures.

Enforcement Action and Forfeited Winnings

The DGE described these incidents as failures in both dealer performance and managerial supervision. In addition to the $12,000 fine, regulators announced the forfeiture of $186,184 in winnings tied to underage and self-excluded players.

Of that amount, $50,000 will be directed to compulsive gambling treatment programs, while the remainder will support senior and disability services across New Jersey.

How Evolution’s Studios Operate

Evolution Gaming operates live dealer private studios inside Atlantic City casinos such as Hard Rock and Ocean. These facilities are closed to the public and designed for streaming blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other games to online platforms.

By law, New Jersey requires live dealer studios to be physically located within Atlantic City casinos. This ensures that online operations remain tied to land-based license holders and fall under direct regulatory supervision.

Evolution’s Role in the Market

Evolution Gaming is one of the largest global suppliers of live dealer technology. In New Jersey, its streams support operators such as Caesars, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, and bet365. Live dealer games have become a key driver of engagement for online casinos, bridging the gap between digital play and the traditional casino experience.

Beyond New Jersey, Evolution also runs studios in Pennsylvania and Michigan, as well as internationally. Its product range includes not only blackjack and roulette but also branded game shows like Lightning Roulette and Crazy Time.

Expansion Plans in Atlantic City

Despite the enforcement action, Evolution is pressing ahead with a $75 million live dealer campus planned for Fairmont Avenue in Atlantic City. The new facility will consolidate its in-casino studios, increase capacity, and centralize dealer training.

The expansion will provide additional space for live streaming and support New Jersey’s growing iGaming market, which has seen record-setting revenues year after year.

Wider U.S. iGaming Context

New Jersey remains the leading state for legal online casinos. In 2024, the state reported $2.38 billion in iGaming revenue, alongside more than $1 billion from online sports betting, for a combined total of $3.4 billion. Live dealer games represent a growing share of this revenue as players increasingly look for real-time casino experiences.

Other states with legal online casinos include Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Among them, New Jersey continues to lead both in scale and regulatory enforcement.

Conclusion

The $12,000 fine against Evolution Gaming covered four violations tied to blackjack and roulette at its Atlantic City studios. Regulators also reclaimed winnings from underage and self-excluded players, directing the funds toward state programs.

While the violations highlight lapses in training and oversight, Evolution remains a central supplier of live dealer services in New Jersey. Its upcoming studio campus signals continued growth in the sector, even as regulators maintain a close watch over how live dealer games are delivered to online platforms.