New Jersey’s Bold Move to Standardize Responsible Gambling

New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is shaking up the online gambling world with a proposal aimed at protecting players from problem gambling.

If the new regulations are adopted, they would replace the current voluntary guidelines with a standardized set of mandatory rules for all online casinos and sportsbooks.

Under the new regulations, all licensed operators will need to monitor player activity for specific “trigger behaviors” that could indicate a risk of gambling-related harm. Some of these red flags include:

• Depositing more than $10,000 in a day or $100,000 over 90 days.
• Wagering over $1 million in a three-month period.
• Accessing the self-exclusion page multiple times without committing.
• Requesting several cooling-off periods in a short timeframe.
• Frequently increasing deposit or loss limits.
• Canceling withdrawal requests repeatedly.
• Logging in significantly more than usual.

These measures are part of a responsible gambling initiative started by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2024, highlighting increased awareness of online gambling risks. There’s also a nationwide effort to promote safer gambling habits.

What Happens if a Responsible Gambling “Trigger Behavior” is Detected?

When these triggers are detected, operators must follow a tiered intervention process:

1. Initial Outreach: Deliver responsible gaming information and resources to the player.

2. Escalated Response: If the risky behavior persists, the player’s account may be suspended until they view a mandatory educational video.

3. Direct Intervention: For severe cases, a Responsible Gaming Lead will directly contact the player and may close the account if necessary.

Since the introduction of online casinos in 2013 and mobile sports betting in 2018, the state has acknowledged the need for more robust intervention tools to safeguard players.

September is also Responsible Gaming Education Month. It highlights the commitment of the gaming industry and its partners to create a safe and informed environment for gambling. By focusing on education and proactive measures, the initiative aims to support responsible gaming practices across the country.

New Jersey Hopes to Implement Consistent Industry Standards

A central component of the proposed rules is the introduction of a Responsible Gaming Lead (RG Lead) at each operator. This individual will oversee the identification of at-risk patrons, manage intervention protocols, and ensure proper player protections are in place.

These regulations aim to replace the current patchwork of voluntary guidelines with a consistent set of standards across the industry, enhancing the state’s ability to enforce and oversee responsible gaming practices.