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New Jersey lawmakers are moving a bill through Trenton to drastically reshape how sports betting and casino operators advertise their products.
Authored by Sen. Joe Cryan, Bill S4021 would prohibit New Jersey casino and sports betting operators from using fraudulent or deceptive ads. However, the definition of such terms and how to enforce them remains unknown.
In addition to advertising restrictions, the bill would also preclude companies from targeting individuals under 21 and customers on self-exclusion lists.
New Jersey bill limits gambling advertisements
Speaking with Legal Sports Report, Cryan said there is a 50/50 chance the bill passes.
“We’ve got a responsibility as a state to provide restrictions where they’re feasible.”
Per language in the bill:
12) sports pool related advertising of sports wagering licensees, or their contracted operators, to ensure their advertisements are in no way deceptive or fraudulent, do not direct unsolicited advertisements towards individuals on the list of self-excluded persons established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2001, c.39 (C.5:12-71.2), and do not appeal directly to individuals under the legal age to wager.
Cryan’s bill mirrors similar legislation already in the Assembly that show the state’s commitment to responsible gambling.
Bill A5226 would prohibit sports betting operators from partnering with New Jersey colleges and universities. Another bill, AR168, is a resolution that decreases the number of pro-gambling ads in the state.
Recently, jurisdictions, where sports betting is legal have done away with college sports betting partnerships. One of the most notable was PointsBet dissolving its partnership with the University of Colorado.
“It just doesn’t belong in that atmosphere,” Cryan said. “I think most folks would agree with that.”
New Jersey creating responsible gambling practices
The Garden State also created a pair of tools to help assist problem gamblers. On June 14, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) Director David Rebuck announced the creation of a dedicated helpline and a virtual self-exclusion option.
In a news release, Platkin said:
“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.”
The 2023 NJ legislative session is headed toward its summer break, so there will be no immediate discussion on any bills.
Although New Jersey’s online gaming law expires in November, Bill S3075 would give the industry a 10-year extension through 2033.
