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As casino and gambling revenue continues to climb in New Jersey, state officials announced steps to limit the kinds of advertising that would be allowed in the state industry.
The move calls for the creation of “a new position dedicated to responsible gambling” and for the state to set new advertising standards for operators, said New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin’s office.
It also allows for a more “simplified” method of self-exclusion, in which problem gamblers struggling with addiction can volunteer to ban themselves from casino and online gambling.
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Rather than meet in person or apply online, there will now be a video-conference option to be added to the gambling exclusion list. The state is also creating a 24/7 help line to answer questions about how one could be added to that list.
© Thomas P. Costello The new purple carpeting that is filling the casino floor at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, NJ, shown Friday, May 14, 2021.
“As New Jersey’s gaming and sports wagering industries continue to grow and mature, so do our obligations to assist patrons who are at risk for problem gambling,” Platkin said.
The move Thursday comes as lawmakers aim to clamp down further on the gambling and sports betting industry, where they argue addiction has spiraled out of control.
One bill lawmakers are considering would ban sports betting advertising at public colleges and universities; another would create a court diversion program for people suffering gambling addiction; and another bill would require high schools to include gambling addiction in their health curriculum.
During March, New Jersey’s nine casinos brought in nearly $168 million from online gambling, a nearly 18% increase from March 2022, according to state figures. Sportsbooks brought in $93 million last month, or 40% more than the previous March.
“In the face of that boom, we have a duty to protect the public from advertising that could be misleading or harmful,” said David Rebuck, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, which regulates the state’s casino industry. “And for those in the grip of gambling addiction, we need to offer as many exit ramps from their condition as possible.”
Thursday’s announcement was made at the East Coast Gaming Congress, held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey’s gambling capital.
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Responsible gaming coordinator to be hired
The responsible gaming coordinator would be an experienced attorney who would report directly to the gaming enforcement director and be tasked with identifying “gaps and problems” in the state’s responsible gaming work.
Under the advertising standards, ads would be restricted in locations where they might entice someone under 21 years of age to gamble, such as a high school sports game. The standards require “1-800-GAMBLER” to be prominently displayed on ads.
Operators can’t make promises of “guaranteed wins” or “risk-free bets” if the patron won’t be fully compensated for the money they lose, and wagering requirements need to be fully clear in the terms and conditions.
Advertisers also need to provide the public with the “ability to swiftly opt out of direct advertising,” the Thursday announcement said.
State officials did not immediately respond to inquiries on what happens to operators who do not follow these standards.
With easy access to online gambling, more people are at risk
“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,” said Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, which runs the state helpline. “These measures will help enforce and expand responsible gaming, and will be bolstered with the establishment of a responsible gaming coordinator.”
In February, ahead of the Super Bowl, state officials said they were rolling out a program to scrutinize gambler data to track signs of problem betting.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ sets standards for gambling ads, creates role of responsible gaming coordinator