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Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) Director David Rebuck announced two new tools to assist problem gamblers. These include:
- A dedicated hotline
- A virtual option to self-exclude from gaming activities
The announcement came with the NBA and NHL finals in full swing and players betting on their preferable players and teams more frequently.
AG Platkin said via a press release:
“New Jersey has always been a national leader in gaming, as the first to allow casino gambling outside Nevada and the first to launch Internet gaming. And we are now focusing on making our pioneering state the standard in responsible gaming practices. The efforts announced today underscore our commitment to helping problem gamblers by expanding the entry points for self-exclusion and other methods to receive assistance.”
Earlier this year, Platkin and Rebuck announced several new initiatives to strengthen the office’s responsible gambling efforts.
New tools and services to help further reduce the risk of problem gambling
New Jersey online casino players who wish to exclude themselves from gambling can now contact the DGE via a new, toll-free phone number.
Through in-person or newly available virtual meetings, players can choose to self-exclude from online gaming or both online and in-person.
David Rebuck, Division of Gaming Enforcement Director, commented on the Attorney General’s website:
“We hope the new tools being unveiled today will help to further reduce the risk of problem gambling. By promoting responsible gaming practices, we can help keep gaming an enjoyable and entertaining activity for all.”
As promised, DGE will release an updated Responsible Gaming landing page on its website. It will serve as a one-stop-shop offering a variety of responsible gaming information, such as:
- Self-exclusion information
- Rutgers University’s annual reports examining the impact of online gambling and sports betting
- DGE’s responsible gaming best practices for operators
- DGE’s responsible gaming regulations
New Jersey’s previous problem gambling prevention efforts
DGE recently appointed Deputy Attorney General Jamie McKelvey the first Responsible Gaming Coordinator. McKelvey will oversee the development and implementation of responsible gambling programs and future initiatives.
Last month, Assembly Deputy Speaker Mila Jasey introduced bill A5498 to the New Jersey Senate. If enacted, it would require the state’s public colleges or universities to partner with sportsbooks to provide students with responsible gambling materials.
The bill came as a response to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) updated Responsible Marketing Code. The code bans college partnerships from promoting or advertising sports betting to college students using misleading terms.
S1599 is also awaiting a potential vote. The bill suggests an optional fine of $1,000 for players under the legal age of 21 found in the Atlantic City casinos. It would be up to judges to decide.
A separate bill, A420, sponsored by Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, takes a similar approach for those of legal gambling age in the state. It would create gambling diversion courts in three districts: north, central and south.
There is still time for some of these bills to become laws. The good news is New Jersey’s legislative session runs a full calendar year. The bad news is that the bills that die in 2023 will not carry over to next year.
