Golden Nugget is the second of the state's 12 casinos to be awarded an operator's permit, following the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa receiving the first such honor last week. Both casinos will not get a jump on their competition, however, as New Jersey's official launch date has been set for November 26. A test period soft launch by invitation only will commence five days prior.

A free-play poker site hosted by Golden Nugget in conjunction with software provider Bally Technologies has been in operation since the middle of last year. Golden Nugget had originally partnered with Chiligaming to launch that free-play endeavor, but Bally then acquired Chilgaming's platform. Players can access the free-play website at goldennuggetpoker.com.

Less than six weeks remain before DGE officials turn on the Internet gambling virtual switch. With about three dozen applicants yet to be scrutinized, regulators have their work cut out for them if the projected launch date is to be met.