New Jersey is bolstering rules and standards for compulsive gambling.
Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck announced several new initiatives to bolster the office’s responsible gaming efforts. State officials will establish a new position dedicated to responsible gaming, set new advertising standards for operators, and simplify access to self-exclusion.
Attorney General Platkin made the announcement as he delivered the keynote speech before regulators and industry representatives at the East Coast Gaming Congress at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
“We have seen tremendous growth in sports wagering and online gaming in New Jersey,” said DGE Director David Rebuck. “In the face of that boom, we must protect the public from advertising that could be misleading or harmful. And for those in the grip of gambling addiction, we need to offer as many exit ramps from their condition as possible.”
DGE will establish a new position, the Responsible Gaming Coordinator, who will handle all issues impacting responsible gaming and ensure progress on existing initiatives. The coordinator, which is to be filled by an attorney, will report directly to the DGE Director.
The announcement comes as online and sports gambling continue to gain popularity in New Jersey. DGE’s March 2023 gaming revenue results showed that for that month, online gaming win reported by casinos and their partners was $165.7 million, a rise of 17.8 percent compared to $140.7 million for March 2022. Sports wagering gross revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $93 million for March 2023, a 40.1 percent increase compared to last March.
The initiatives announced include new online and sports gambling advertising standards, which make it clear that operators must make responsible gaming a priority. Operators must end “dubious promises” of “guaranteed wins” or “risk-free” bets if the patron is not fully compensated for the loss of their funds.
New Jersey’s existing voluntary self-exclusion program allows players to voluntarily prohibit themselves from accessing casinos’ gaming floors through in-person appointments with specially trained DGE staff or from online gaming through DGE’s online application. DGE will establish a 24/7 hotline to assist people with questions about the self-exclusion program and the process for signing up.
“The increase of online gambling opportunities, access and the amount of advertising has put many more people in New Jersey at risk for problem gambling. These measures will help enforce and expand responsible gaming and will be bolstered with establishing a Responsible Gaming Coordinator,” said Felicia Grondin, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.