New Zealand-based pokies operator International Game Technology has been expanding rapidly over the course of the past few years. First, the company expanded into the social gaming world with its acquisition of Double Down Casino. Now, IGT is considering setting up shop in the highly lucrative American gambling market. This week, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie legalized online gambling within the state’s borders.

It is one of the first states to enact this sort of legislation, as local governments across America have been fighting to legalize online gambling for years. Presenting the first opportunity for legalized online gambling in the United States, New Jersey has garnered a great deal of attention from gaming developers like IGT.

"The opportunity for IGT would be to place its slots content on operator websites once online gaming is set up," financial analyst Brian McGill says in an interview with Investors.com. "IGT has some of the best content and slot machines in the space, such as their big-title Wheel of Fortune." IGT has developed an impressive collection of online casino games, but maintains a highly reputable land-based presence.

The company operates pokies and slots in land-based casinos across the United States, including locations in Atlantic City. This will certainly fare well for the company should it decide to apply for a license in New Jersey’s online gambling market. While operating pokies in New Zealand and Australia has been a lucrative experience for IGT, the company’s willingness to branch out will ensure that long-term success is experience.

Breaking into New Jersey’s online gambling market will certainly encourage further growth far into the future. Financial experts estimate that New Jersey’s online gambling market will generate $1 billion in sales. However, it will take quite some time for the state to set up its new regulatory system. The earliest that we could see online gambling offered to New Jersey residents is 2014, but that gives pokie operators more time to prepare.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.