Jersey Shore operator banned after boardwalk games found to be rigged, N.J. says
Christine Strothers was accused of running games with overinflated basketballs causing them to bounce erratically and making it harder for players to win.
An amusement operator accused of rigging boardwalk games in Wildwood and North Wildwood has been banned for 10 years from running such games and fined $15,500, New Jersey authorities announced Wednesday.
Christine Strothers allegedly ran games with overinflated basketballs — sometimes by as much as three times the manufacturer’s specifications — causing them to bounce erratically to lower the chances of a player winning.
The $15,500 fine represents “a penalty of $500 for each of the 31 basketballs found to have been overinflated” during multiple inspections in 2022, according to the 11-page order from the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, which is part of the state Department of Law and Public Safety.
The order said Strothers had a history of violations, “including paying $16,500 in penalties for games operated in 2021.”
Strothers was given time to retain a lawyer but did not do so, the order said. She failed to appear at her hearing and did not provide a written response to the accusations against her.
Strothers could not be reached for comment about the commission’s order.
“Every person who plays an amusement game in the State of New Jersey deserves a fair shot at winning a prize,” state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement.
“The Jersey Shore is one of the biggest draws in the state for families looking for fun and recreation and we are making sure those families are not being scammed out of their hard-earned money,” Platkin said.
Early last year, Strothers was granted seven amusement game licenses to operate basketball and football challenge games in Wildwood and North Wildwood, the order said.
During the summer, inspections were conducted at each game. Besides finding the overinflated basketballs, the commission found Strothers had displayed large plush animals that were not actual prizes and failed to show the prizes that could be won, the order said.
In another case, an inspector was not immediately given proper change after providing a $20 bill for a $10 quarterback challenge game, the order said.
“Investigators are always on the lookout to ensure a safe and fair experience for everyone who plays an amusement game on the boardwalk,” Cari Fais, acting director of the state Division of Consumer Affairs, said in a statement.
“Amusement game operators who aren’t playing by the rules spoil the fun for everyone and they will be held accountable,” Fais said.