Online Casino Review: Golden Nugget
Since being purchased by Landry’s in 2011, the casino formerly known as the Trump Marina has undergone extensive renovations. First, it was re-branded as the Golden Nugget—a name that has become nearly synonymous with casino gambling. Shortly thereafter, Landry’s spent approximately $150 million transforming the outdated hotel into a modern marvel. Its remodeling efforts culminated in the opening of a luxurious, 13 table poker room in December 2013.
And now, with the assistance of Bally Technologies, the Golden Nugget has rolled out its self-branded online casino.
After experiencing a short delay due to a minor report formatting error, the Nugget launched its iGaming operation on December 13, 2013—approximately three weeks after iGaming went live in New Jersey.
It may have some catching up to do to become a true player in NJ’s iGaming market, but given the reputability of its online partner and its commitment to change, the Golden Nugget’s foray into the online gaming world could very well prove to be a fruitful one. Let the sections that follow serve as a guide to NJ’s newest online casino.
Playing at the Golden Nugget’s online casino
What games can I play at GoldenNuggetCasino.com?
The Golden Nugget has done a commendable job incorporating many of the same games found in its brick & mortar locate into its virtual casino. In total, players can try their luck at one of over 40 available game offerings.
Games featured at GoldenNuggetCasino.com include:
- Slots: 28 virtual slot machines in total, including fan favorites Monopoly Plus, Big Vegas, Lost Temple and Ghostbusters
- Blackjack: Casino BlackJack, Win-Win, European and Side-Bet
- Roulette: Classic, Double, American and European
- Video Poker: The Golden Nugget offers more video poker variants than we’ve seen on any other site. Offerings include the popular Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, an alternatively themed Jacks of Better and Deuces Wild
- Other games: No Commission Baccarat
Of course, as the Garden State’s iGaming operation matures, expect the number of casino game options to rise.
What deposit and withdrawal methods does the Golden Nugget’s online casino offer?
The Golden Nugget’s online casino permits a sheer multitude of depositing alternatives including:
- Credit/Debit Card: Visa and MasterCard accepted. Check with your issuing bank to ensure that it won’t reject online gaming transactions.
- ACH
- Golden Nugget Prepaid Card: The Nugget’s loyalty card can be funded via a debit/credit card or ACH.
- Bank Transfers: May take up to seven business days to clear.
- Transfer from Safekeeping: Access your casino funds immediately by providing the casino cage attendee with your username, proof of identity and answer to security question.
- Cashier’s Check: Can take four business days to clear
- Personal Check: Can also take up to four business days to process
- Golden Nugget Casino Cage
Deposits are capped at $5,000.
Withdrawal methods are fewer, but still more abundant than what is found on most other sites. Players can withdraw funds via ACH, the Golden Nugget Prepaid Card, bank transfers, transfers to Safekeeping, check or at the Golden Nugget’s casino cage. Do note that you cannot withdraw to your prepaid loyalty card until you have used it to deposit at least once.
Is there a VIP program?
There is, but oddly enough, it’s by invitation only. In order to become eligible players must either make frequent deposits or play high stakes and remain active. Unfortunately, the exact parameters for what constitutes “active,” “frequent,” and “high-stakes” are not detailed on the Golden Nugget’s VIP page. The good news is that if you feel you’ve earned the right to become a VIP, you can contact support and “apply for a membership.”
VIP members receive “fantastic rewards and incentives.” Again, it’s unclear what exactly those incentives are, but I’ll take it they’re better than preferential treatment at the buffet.
GoldenNuggetCasino.com – Software Details
Who provides the casino platform for GoldenNuggetCasino.com?
Although the Golden Nugget has partnered with Bally Technologies, it utilizes a casino platform developed by up-an-coming online gaming provider Amaya Gaming. Owner of the OnGame Poker Network, which will eventually power the Golden Nugget’s online poker room, Amaya Gaming offers clients a full suite of casino, sportsbook, bingo, lottery and other real-money wagering platforms.
Is there a mobile version of the software?
Yes and no. While there is no dedicated mobile app, players can access GoldenNuggetCasino.com from their smartphone or tablet device. Note that mobile location authorization is required before playing for real-money.
I own a Mac. Can I play on GoldenNuggetCasino.com?
Yes, the Golden Nugget’s browser-based casino client works perfectly fine on Macs. Cross-browser compatibility is one of the benefits of hosting a browser-based client. That, and you won’t have to download any files.
GoldenNuggetCasino.com safety and security
Is it safe to play on Golden Nugget’s online casino?
Safety is every regulated gambling site’s top priority. To ensure player safety and security, the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) requires that all approved online gaming operations provide safe and fast payment options, encourage responsible gambling and are in full compliance with state regulations. Gambling online has never been safer than it is on a NJ-based online casino.
What makes GoldenNuggetCasino.com different from an unregulated site?
First and foremost, GoldenNuggetCasino.com is legal. It also boasts significantly more rigid participation requirements, such as identity and location verification, when compared to unregulated sites. And unlike unsanctioned sites, the Golden Nugget’s casino allows players to impose self-limits on their gambling habits, including time and deposit restrictions.
Other Resources
New Jersey regulatory source Steve Ruddock shares a plethora of useful information on NJ Poker Online’s FAQ page.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the Golden Nugget’s free-to-play online poker room, check out this article on OPR.
