New Jersey is introducing a new set of tools to curtail problematic legal sports betting.
The state’s Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck have launched meeting opportunities, a new helpline, and a website for sports bettors across the Garden State who are looking to remove themselves from wagering.
“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,” said Attorney General Platkin.
New Jersey’s new helpline will aid bettors in learning about the self-exclusion process. The toll-free service will also allow callers to set up in-person or virtual meetings with DGE staff to address both the use of online betting sites and retail wagering. In addition, DGE’s new website will offer an abundance of resources on responsible gaming, including annual wagering reports.
New Jersey’s willingness to focus on problem gambling comes after the appointment of Deputy Attorney General Jamie McKelvey as the DGE’s first responsible gaming coordinator. In her role, McKelvey will deliver responsible gaming tools and initiatives to bettors across the state.
Eventful year
The Garden State’s sports betting market has been busy so far in 2023. On Tuesday, Senate Bill 3075 passed through the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee by a 12-1 vote.
Update: The bill to extend iGaming in New Jersey for another 10 years cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee yesterday by a 12-1 vote. Shockingly, there was a “no” vote. https://t.co/0Q2evvNkxM
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) June 13, 2023
The piece of legislation, which was introduced in September 2022, proposes to extend iGaming in New Jersey until 2033. SB 3075 is sponsored by Senators James Beach and Vincent Polistina.
Growing trend
Operators and organizations in betting are steadily increasing responsible gaming initiatives.
In March, FanDuel — the No. 1 sportsbook in America in terms of market share at 50% — announced that it will donate $100,000 to the National Council on Problem Gambling in partnership with the NFL Foundation. The funds will be allocated toward a grants program.
A month later, a group of sports betting operators joined the Responsible Gambling Coalition to create new standards that provide education and resources for bettors. The coalition — launched in September 2022 — includes BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, PointsBet, and others.
