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The New Jersey Senate recently passed three bills that will enhance responsible gambling through tighter advertising rules, greater customer transparency, and expanded self-exclusion measures.
The three bills – S3419, S2356, and S2362 – all passed May 21st and were sent to the General Assembly.
Senate Bill 2356
Senate Bill 2356 tasks the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) with conducting a study on the language used in gambling ads. Moreover, it mandates new requirements urging responsible gambling in advertising.
Specifically, the study would evaluate the following:
- Whether certain words or phrases resonate with members of the public.
- Whether certain words or phrases can encourage bettors/gamblers to play responsibly.
- How the placement of certain words or phrases in different locations on an ad can better catch viewers’ attention.
- Whether factors like font and other distinguishing features like bolded or underlined text can better emphasize the message.
- Whether the use of different messages would be more effective at reaching problem gamblers, underage gamblers, and individuals on the self-excluded list.
- Whether the repeated use of certain words or phrases reduces their effectiveness.
A statement in the bill reads:
“The division will then review and use this study as the basis for developing not less than three, but not more than 10, key words or phrases to be included in advertisements for casino games and sports pools, in addition to language already required, such as ‘If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.’”
Moreover, a key amendment to the bill adds the following statement:
“Ensuring that such advertising and promotions are prevented to the extent practicable, from being placed in or near locations, such as schools or college campuses, or on media which would predominantly target underage or other prohibited persons, including those on the list of self-excluded persons.”
The DGE will have 12 months to conduct the study and review the findings. The bill also limits the placement of gambling ads near learning institutions as well as on media platforms that primarily target kids or self-excluded individuals.
Senate Bill 2362
Senate Bill 2362 has two key provisions. First, it mandates that individuals on a self-exclusion list must watch counselling and educational videos on problem gambling before they can be removed from the list. Second, it allows legal guardians and family members to request that an individual be placed on a self-exclusion list. Notably, this can only happen under special circumstances, such as when there is evidence of financial harm.
However, the targeted individual must be notified and granted a hearing before they can be put on a self-exclusion list.
A statement in the bill reads:
“Which shall include a requirement that those seeking removal from the list of self-excluded persons review educational and counseling videos concerning the risks associated with gambling, coping strategies, resources available for continued support, and any other information or content as may be appropriate, as determined by the commission, prior to removal.”
Senate Bill 3419
Senate Bill 3419 requires sports betting operators to publish rules about how they determine account limitations. It also requires operators to notify users when their accounts are limited, with specific reasons for the cancellation.
The DGE must review and approve the cancellation policies before they can go into effect.
S3419 is a companion to Assembly Bill 4002, which also requires operators to disclose limitation policies and notify users when their accounts are restricted. A4002 advanced in the General Assembly earlier this month.
The three bills are a continuation of other robust responsible gambling initiatives introduced by the state this year. As one of the largest regulated sports betting and online casino markets, New Jersey is trying to balance the industry’s growth with adequate consumer protections to curb the rising cases of problem gambling.
