New Jersey announces new sportsbook advertising measures

An official announcement on Thursday revealed that New Jersey was set to appoint a responsible gaming coordinator and implement a list of initiatives to bolster the responsible-gambling efforts in the state.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin gave the official announcement during his keynote address at the Atlantic City East Coast Gaming Congress.

“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,” said Platkin.

“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.”

The release disclosed that the responsible gaming coordinator will “handle all issues impacting responsible gaming and ensure progress on existing initiatives.” The role which is yet to be filled will allow the state properly manage the issue of problem gambling in New Jersey, especially with the growth of legal sports wagering.

Platkin and David Rebuck, Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) Director, also announced several new responsible gambling initiatives and regulations, mostly with ties to their advertising standard.

New Jersey’s gambling regulations will allow people suffering from problem gambling to easily place themselves on the self-exclusion list, barring them from casinos and gambling promotions marketing lists. It also will require that online casinos and sportsbooks prominently display New Jersey’s 1-800-GAMBLER hotline in their ads.

Gaming establishments need to clearly state their betting requirements in their terms and conditions and stop using misleading phrases like “risk-free” and “guaranteed win” if the gambler will not be compensated for their loss. Lastly, the new regulations will limit gambling advertisements in places that could encourage individuals younger than 21 to gamble.

“We have seen tremendous growth in sports wagering and online gaming in New Jersey,” Rebuck said.

“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 DGE director disclosed that he intended to create a video conference appointment function for gamblers that want to ban themselves from sportsbooks and casinos. There will also be a 24/7 available helpline for people that want to make inquiries about self-exclusion.

Platkin also stated that the new measures would protect gamblers and ensure that people can access the help they require when their gambling habits become problematic.

The responsible gaming head will reportedly be an experienced attorney and report directly to Rebuck. They must find problems and gaps before “engaging with stakeholders to develop recommendations to advance the state’s responsible gaming work.”

The DGE made similar moves earlier this year when it launched the Responsible Gaming Initiative. This searches player data gaming operators collect to identify signs of problem gambling. Where those signs are found, the affected gambler will be informed of their situation with direct responses.

In the release, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, Keith Whyte, praised the moves to limit problem gambling and said he hoped states across the country emulated it.

“The initiatives announced today further bolster responsible gambling protections and reduce barriers for people seeking help,” Whyte said.

“We hope regulators across the country will emulate New Jersey, including by working with the National Council on Problem Gambling and our state affiliate chapters, such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.”

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