New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin’s office has decided that “a new position dedicated to responsible gambling” must be created for the state, as well as a set of new advertising standards for gaming operators.
The state has also called for a “simplified” method of gambling self-exclusion and will create a 24/7 helpline to answer questions about how players can volunteer to add themselves to the gambling-exclusion list.
One bill in consideration would also ban sports betting ads from public colleges and universities, while another would create a court diversion program for gambling addicts, and a third would require high school health curricula to include information on gambling addiction.
Platkin said, “As New Jersey’s gaming and sports wagering industries continue to grow, so do our obligations to assist patrons at risk for problem gambling.”
New Jersey’s nine casinos brought in almost $168m from online gaming in March, up 18% from March 2022. Sportsbook revenue also rose 40% to $93m.
David Rebuck, Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, said, “In the face of that boom, we have a duty to protect the public from advertising that could be misleading or harmful. For those in the grip of gambling addiction, we need to offer as many exit ramps as possible.”
The advertising standards would restrict ads from appearing in locations that “might entice someone under 21 years of age,” require the 1-800-Gambler hotline to be displayed and include opt-outs in online ads. Operators will be banned from making promises of “guaranteed wins” or “risk-free bets” if the bettor isn’t fully compensated for losses.
The new Responsible Gaming Coordinator role would go to an attorney, who will fulfill the duty of identifying “gaps and problems” in New Jersey’s responsible gaming efforts, reporting directly to the Gaming Enforcement Director.
