5:12-211 Continuance of casino, simulcast operations during certain states of emergency; violations, fines.

4. In the event of a state of emergency, a casino licensee may continue to conduct casino and simulcast operations for a period not to exceed seven calendar days, notwithstanding that employees of the commission and the division are unable to perform their functions, provided that the casino licensee has complied with section 5 of P.L.2008, c.23 (C.5:12-212), and that the casino licensee and its employees shall continue to comply with all relevant provisions of the New Jersey Constitution and all relevant State statutes and regulations and shall maintain detailed records of that compliance.

If, during any period of time that casino and simulcasting facilities remain open pursuant to the provisions of this section, the Governor determines that the holder of a casino license, or any licensed employee thereof, may be engaged in what the Governor believes to be a violation of any State statute or regulation governing the operation of those facilities that would ordinarily subject a licensee to a possible suspension or revocation of its license, the Governor shall have the authority to summarily suspend the license of that casino or employee until such time as it is rescinded by the Governor, or the state of emergency ceases and the commission or the division, as appropriate, is able to address the matter.

Any violation of a statute or regulation that would ordinarily subject a licensee to a fine, but which occurs while a facility remains open during a state of emergency pursuant to this section, which is not reported by the casino licensee in accordance with this act, shall be punishable by a fine of no less than five times and up to ten times the amount of the usual fine, depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation. When the state of emergency ceases, casino licensees shall be responsible for any costs associated with re-implementing onsite State inspections.

L.2008, c.23, s.4; amended 2011, c.19, s.119.