Goldberg is back, and still gambling; broadcaster shrugs off Chapter 11, returns with gaming network idea. (Nelson Goldberg)

ASPINWALL -- Ready for the backgammon playoffs? How about poker? Bridge, anyone? Local broadcast-industry businessman Nelson Goldberg is gambling that the world is ready to bet on a gaming network, a concept he's been developing for the past four years.

GETv -- the acronym for Gaming Entertainment Television Inc., the company of which Mr. Goldberg is president and chief executive officer -- may be available as a premium pay channel by January 1995. The price is expected to be $3.95 a month per residential home for a 24-hour-a-day service.

Mr. Goldberg said he has a deal with a major cable company for distribution of the programming, but declined to identify the company.

GETv will cover all aspects of the gaming industry, Mr. Goldberg said.

"(It is) inclusive of casinos, lotteries, horse racing, Native American gaming, cruise ships, card rooms and any other area of gaming on a worldwide basis," he said.

He noted the gaming industry …