New Jersey Aims To Lead The Way On Responsible Gambling

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin used his opportunity to serve as keynote speaker at last week's East Coast Gaming Congress industry gathering in Atlantic City to announce a series of moves designed to mitigate the damage that can be caused by reckless gambling.

Platkin, in his speech and in a simultaneous joint press release with state Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck, announced:

- The establishment of a new position dedicated to responsible gaming.

- A setting of new advertising standards for gaming operators.

- Simplification of access to self-exclusion programs for players struggling with a gambling disorder. 

Back in February, Rebuck had announced an initiative that utilizes data on players’ gaming activity to determine if they might be suffering from a gambling disorder - and offers them help via information sent to the at-risk player. Examples include an individual’s gambling time increasing from week to week, or a player wagering until they have less than one dollar left in their accounts.

“By establishing a dedicated, senior level position within the Division of Gaming Enforcement to focus on responsible gaming, we are sending a clear message that we take this work seriously - and so should the industry," Platkin said.

“We have seen tremendous growth in sports wagering and online gaming in New Jersey,” Rebuck added. "And in the face of that boom, we have a duty to 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.”

The new position will be called the Responsible Gaming Coordinator and will be taken on by an as yet undetermined experienced attorney. The coordinator will report directly to the DGE director and will be asked to identify gaps and problems before engaging with stakeholders to develop recommendations to advance the state’s responsible gaming work.

Sportsbooks In New Jersey Face New Requirements

New online gambling advertising standards will make it clear that operators must make responsible gaming a priority via the following:

- Displaying prominently New Jersey’s 1-800-GAMBLER hotline in their ads.

- Ending dubious promises of “guaranteed wins” or “risk-free” bets if the patron will not be fully compensated for the loss of their funds.

- Making wagering requirements clear in their terms and conditions.