The New Jersey State Bar Association offers more than 80 sections, committees and divisions that help members stay current on developments in their practice areas, shape legislation and strengthen their service to clients.
The Association’s Casino Law Section recently changed its name to the Gaming Law Section to reflect how the practice has expanded beyond traditional brick-and-mortar casinos and evolved into a broader, rapidly changing industry. Section Chair Connor Martin, a regulator with the New Jersey Racing Commission, recently discussed the reasons behind the name change, New Jersey’s leadership role in the gaming industry and why attorneys practicing in this area should consider joining the Section.
How long have you been involved with the Gaming Law Section? How has your involvement in the Section benefited you both personally and professionally?
I became involved with the Section in 2021. I served as vice chair in 2024 and became chair in 2025. Both personally and professionally, my involvement with the Section has been incredibly valuable. It has helped broaden my understanding of gaming law beyond the issues that come across my desk as a regulator, while also keeping me informed about developments in other areas of gaming and in other jurisdictions. The Section is an excellent forum for exchanging ideas, staying current on emerging issues and expanding your overall knowledge base. Obviously, the networking opportunities have also been a huge benefit. It’s one of the best ways to connect with like-minded people in the gaming law space and build relationships that can support your career over the long term.
What prompted the Section’s recent name change, and how does it reflect the evolving nature of the practice?
The name change reflects just how much the gaming industry has evolved over the years. What was once viewed primarily as a brick-and-mortar casino practice has expanded into a much broader and more dynamic area of law. Today, the industry includes online gaming, sports wagering, mobile platforms, fantasy sports and other forms of regulated gaming activity that extend well beyond traditional casino operations. We wanted the Section’s name to better capture the full scope of the industry and the diverse legal issues practitioners now encounter. Gaming law touches a wide range of industries and regulated entities, and the Section aims to be a resource for anyone interested in understanding how the space continues to develop.
What is your best pitch for attorneys in this space to join the Section?
The best pitch for joining the Section is that gaming law is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving practice areas in the legal profession right now. It’s also an incredibly collegial bar. One of the things that makes the gaming law community unique is the strong professional relationships among attorneys, regulators and licensees. In New Jersey especially, there has long been a collaborative and professional approach to the industry, and the Section reflects that same spirit. The Section is also continuing to grow, and we are focused on attracting younger and newer attorneys who are interested in entering the field. During my time with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, I made an effort to encourage younger attorneys and regulatory professionals to get involved with the Section, and we are continuing to build on that momentum.
What types of programs and events does the Section have planned as it moves forward under its new name?
The Section recently presented a seminar at the Annual Meeting and Convention focused on major developments and emerging issues shaping the gaming industry in New Jersey and beyond. The program brought together an outstanding mix of public- and private-sector perspectives from practitioners working throughout the gaming industry. It was a great discussion on some of the most significant developments currently shaping the field.
Now that the Annual Meeting has concluded, the Section plans to regroup and continue developing additional educational programming and networking opportunities for members throughout the year. We want to make sure the Section remains a valuable resource for attorneys looking to stay informed about emerging legal and regulatory issues. And, of course, we are always looking for opportunities to bring members together socially as well, including a few happy hours along the way.