New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement proposed a new responsible gaming framework, which outlines a structured three-phase approach that operators must follow once a patron is identified as at risk, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The new rules place more responsibility on operators to control problem gambling.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey published new responsible gaming regulations in the state register for public comment until Nov. 14.
- The rules require operators to flag players showing signs of problem gambling through 12 defined behavioral criteria.
- A mandatory three-step intervention process will apply, including education, monitoring, and direct outreach.
The first step requires operators to approach the customer and inform them of the responsible gaming resources they can make use of, including deposit constraints, time-out capabilities, and exclusion from play to ensure the gambler is aware of protection before the behavior becomes more severe.
If problems persist, the second step requires the gambler to take a mandatory video tutorial of the risks of problem gambling alongside prevention resources, which customers must fully view before being able to continue gambling.
The final step demands live outreach, whereby a responsible gaming lead must initiate a conversation by phone or video call to discuss observed behaviors, explain intervention options, and provide referrals to professional counselors.
The operator would cover the cost if the customer consents to treatment. Should attempts to contact the patron fail three times, the regulations mandate a suspension of the account until direct communication occurs.
Gambling education comes to N.J. schools
New Jersey lawmakers are extending the conversation on responsible gaming into the classroom. A pending bill would require high schools statewide to integrate lessons on the dangers of compulsive gambling into their curricula.
The proposal, S-3666, cosponsored by Sen. Shirley Turner of Mercer County, responds to evidence showing higher rates of gambling among teenagers since the legalization of New Jersey sports betting.
Under the measure, health and physical education teachers would provide instruction covering financial risks, addiction potential, and the difference between probability and predictability in gambling.
The legislation tasks the Commissioner of Education with supplying schools with appropriate resources and training modules for educators. These modules would prepare teachers to discuss gambling risks alongside existing lessons on substance abuse and other health concerns. If enacted, the law would take effect immediately.
N.J. sees legislative push to ban micro bets
State lawmakers are also targeting the fast-growing practice of micro betting. Assemblyman Dan Hutchison sponsored Assembly Bill 5971 to prohibit wagers of short-term, play-by-play outcomes during live games.
While typical game wagers permit bettors to bet money on large sections of games, micro bets allow people to bet money on individual instants, for example, the outcome of a pitch or a single football play.
Hutchison argued micro betting is implemented to encourage compulsive behavior by repetitive, rapid-fire wagers. He was also concerned with the integrity of sport, as wagers for discrete actions could be more prone to tampering.
The legislation tightly defines micro bets as wagers placed upon the next action's or play's outcome and therefore differentiates them from quarter totals or broader in-game props. If it passes, the legislation would forbid all licensed operators from taking or placing micro bets in the state.
