Share 
State of Play’s TL;DR
- New Jersey has adopted mandatory, data-driven responsible gambling rules requiring gambling operators to identify at-risk customers and intervene.
- State regulators say NJ is the first state to create rules requiring operators to be more vigilant of problem gambling.
New Jersey has adopted legally enforceable responsible gambling regulations that require gambling operators to identify potentially harmful play and step in when customers show signs of trouble.
State officials say the rules are the first mandatory, data-driven standards of their kind in the US.
The move gives New Jersey a more formal statewide framework for responsible gambling, replacing prior practices that officials said were not uniform or legally enforceable.
New rules require monitoring, review, and intervention
Under the regulations, operators must designate a responsible gaming lead and use mandatory thresholds for gambling activity and behavioral indicators to identify potentially at-risk customers.
If a customer appears to be at risk, the operator must conduct a due diligence review and, if warranted, place that person on an at-risk patron list.
Operators also must carry out interventions through a three-phase process based on the customer’s assessed needs.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said:
“New Jersey continues to lead the way in developing data driven best practices for Internet gaming and online sports wagering.”
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport added that the state is “proud to enact regulations that require operators to offer resources, including live support if appropriate, to those struggling with problem gambling.”
Why the change matters
State officials said similar responsible gambling practices existed before, but not under uniform, legally binding standards. The new rules are meant to create consistent requirements across the industry and make sure customers showing signs of problem gambling get timely help.
That push comes as New Jersey also raised concerns about reports that some gambling companies have used aggressive marketing or promotional tactics aimed at customers displaying signs of gambling disorders.
Alongside the new rules, the state said New Jersey residents and others located in the state can access the RecoverMe gambling recovery app for free. The app uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques and includes assessment tools, self-guided therapy sessions, and habit tracking.
It is the second free gambling-related support service offered by the Division of Gaming Enforcement after GamFin financial counseling, which became available last year.
Based on reporting by Jay Edwards for WRNJ.
