Scientific Games Corporation has announced that its SG Digital subsidiary has commenced “sportsbook product review sessions” with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), in preparation for any potential legalisation of sports betting in the US State of New Jersey.

SG Digital is currently heavily involved in sportsbook operations in Nevada, one of four states where sports betting is allowed under the Professional and Amateur Sports Participation Act (PASPA), using its OpenBet platform.

New Jersey is one of almost 20 states where sports betting legislation has been advanced and it has been the chief advocate for the repeal of PASPA.

Indeed, the nexus of legalisation efforts revolves around a Supreme Court review of a US Circuit Court decision which barred New Jersey from allowing sports betting in the first place.

Speaking about the discussions, Matt Davey, Group Chief Executive, SG Digital, said: “We work closely with the DGE to ensure responsible gaming experiences and congratulate the effort of the DGE and the state of New Jersey for taking progressive action to help create a safer sports betting market for the public.

"We are setting the foundations well in advance to help our partners establish themselves early in the emerging territory."

SG Digital have confirmed that there will be a number of enhancements to its platform, while at the same time the company is undertaking a recruitment drive to prepare for any US legalisation, should this occur.

Keith O'Loughlin, Senior Vice President, Sportsbook and Platforms at SG Digital, added: "Legalised sports betting in the US is an exciting prospect for us, and we're taking every step possible to ensure our product offering is fully compliant to hit the ground running when the marketplace eventually opens up beyond the current regulated states.

“We have spent time considering US customer needs and are focused on ensuring that the user experience is of high standard and can be delivered with speed."