New Jersey Launches New Responsible Gambling Tools

New Jersey is considered a leader in the iGaming industry of the United States, having been among the first to legalize services. NJ casinos offer various services, including casino games, poker, and sports betting. As a top-rated market, officials are constantly looking for ways to improve the industry. Just recently, new measures were taken to provide additional tools for responsible gambling in the state.

A dedicated hotline is now open for self-exclusion along with a virtual method. Players can log online or use a telephone to seek help for self-exclusion. This helps to ensure that players have access to the tools they need to be responsible and find help through several resources.

Players now can self-exclude with the help of a hotline or virtual conference. Officials have created both options to make it easy for players to take a break from gaming, be it offline or online. A dedicated hotline can be found at 1-833-788-4DGE. The toll-free number is easy to use and can be reached from a smartphone or landline.

Players can also reach out to New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement staff members for help via video conference. This can be done without having to meet with someone in person. Take a break from online gaming or be excluded from the casinos in Atlantic City without having to leave your home to do so.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated in a press release about the new services that NJ has always been a national leader in gaming. The industry is now focusing on becoming a standard when it comes to responsible gambling practices. The new self-exclusion options help to ensure the commitment of the state to helping problem gamblers.

The DGE is also busy adding more information to its website to help with problem gambling needs. The landing page of the Responsible Gambling section will soon include self-exclusion info, annual reports that show the impact of online gaming and sports betting, plus best practices for operators, and gaming regulations.

Over the past few years, the gaming industry in New Jersey has seen an influx in participation. Since COVID-19 began in 2020, more players have logged online to enjoy gaming instead of waiting to travel to Atlantic City. Players are also crossing over from neighboring states to participate.

In 2022, the gross gambling revenues for Atlantic City, online gaming, and sports betting came in at over $5.2 billion. This was 10% more than the amount earned in 2021. It is expected that the increase will only continue for 2023.

For gambling operators, this means that responsible gambling practices are more important than ever. Players need to be protected and know how to seek help when needed. With the new tools, it is easier to sign up for the program and start taking a break from the gaming industry.

While online casino gaming is the big earner in NJ, sports betting should also be considered. The industry generates a ton of revenue for the state and can be just as addictive. Last month, a new bill was introduced to help ensure that public colleges and universities that partner with operators include a gambling addiction prevention program.

Bill A5498 will create a program that students can use to learn valuable information connected to responsible gambling. If signed into law, the bill would be enacted immediately. Only advertising that follows the set guidelines would be allowed. Websites of the educational institution must also include a gambling help hotline that students can use for assistance.

There is not much support behind the initiative, so it may be some time before we see it move forward or gain any footing within Legislature.