New Jersey Becomes First State To Make Data-Driven Responsible Gaming Rules Mandatory
New Jersey has become the first US state to make data-driven responsible gaming measures a legal requirement for gambling operators. On October 20, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) said a set of responsible gaming requirements is now written into state regulations and made legally binding.
As online gambling grows, we’re proud to announce mandatory regulations on responsible gaming.
These will hold the industry accountable and help any gamblers in need.
We’re also offering free access to the RecoverMe app with the code NJ100—check it out.https://t.co/qNrrkqbsjE pic.twitter.com/p77uszqx6J
— Attorney General Jennifer Davenport (@NewJerseyOAG) October 20, 2026
Operators in the state already employ responsible gaming staff and follow best practices the DGE established earlier. What was missing, according to the Attorney General’s office, was a uniform standard that regulators could enforce, setting out exactly when an operator must take a closer look at a player and step in.
What operators now have to do
Under the new rules, every operator must:
- Appoint a responsible gaming lead in charge of its player protection efforts.
- Use the state’s required play thresholds and behavioral triggers to identify players who may need help.
- Carry out a due diligence review whenever a patron meets those criteria, to judge whether the player is showing signs of potential problem gambling.
- Place players flagged as at risk on an at-risk patron list and step in through three tiers of intervention, depending on the operator’s assessment.
“We are proud to enact regulations that require operators to offer resources, including live support if appropriate, to those struggling with problem gambling,” Davenport said. “We have a responsibility to keep the gaming industry accountable and ensure that help is available to those who need it.”
Interim DGE Director Flaherty said the rules are designed to catch problems early. “Our regulations identify and respond to gambling-related harm. When signs of problem gaming arise, operators must act to ensure early intervention and support, tiered to individual need.”
Governor Mikie Sherrill added that New Jersey “continues to lead the way in developing data driven best practices for Internet gaming and online sports wagering.”
A warning on aggressive marketing
The Attorney General’s office also responded to recent press reports that some operators had targeted gamblers showing signs of disordered gambling with aggressive marketing and promotions. “No company is permitted to operate in New Jersey but flout its laws,” the Attorney General’s office said, describing that as one reason the state codified the rules. It added that New Jersey will keep considering ways to strengthen its regulations as the industry evolves.
New Jersey lawmakers have also been active on gambling policy, with a bill to decriminalize underage gambling advancing unanimously earlier this month. The state is separately asking the US Supreme Court to hear its case against Kalshi, arguing that prediction markets fall under state gaming laws. Backing that position are 39 states and the District of Columbia, along with 146 tribes and tribal organizations, the NFL and the main industry groups. The American Gaming Association has also urged the court to take up the Kalshi cases.
Free therapy app for residents
Alongside the regulations, the DGE launched a partnership with RecoverMe, a cognitive behavioral therapy app for people who want help managing their gambling. Developed by physicians, the app uses validated assessment tools, evidence-based therapy sessions and tracking features, plus New Jersey-specific crisis support. It is free for anyone located in New Jersey using the code NJ100.
RecoverMe is the second free service the DGE has rolled out for residents. Last year it began offering GamFin, a confidential financial counseling service for patrons and families dealing with gambling-related financial harm. Help is also available 24/7 by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
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