Responsible Gambling in New Jersey

The goal of responsible gambling is to protect yourself from harm. All gamblers are at risk when they enjoy online casino games for real money due to the potential to lose funds. However, players are also at risk of harm from a gambling addiction.

Players are affected by gambling in different ways, with some falling victim to an addiction that can harm themselves and those they love. Learning how to maintain responsible gambling behavior while playing online casino games helps to reduce your risk of addiction.

Most players have no idea about the threat of gambling addiction and how responsible gambling behaviors can help. Use this guide to learn more about responsible gambling. We provide insight into the definition of responsible gambling, how to gamble responsibly, and how to seek help if you need it. Read on to discover all you need to know to ensure a quality and safe gambling experience.

In general, responsible gambling is the behavior of the player and initiatives of online casino providers to ensure that the activity remains social instead of one with a negative effect. Anyone connected to gambling, be it the player, a lawmaker, a casino, a regulator, etc., must consider the responsibility factor associated with the activity.

A legitimate gambling business will offer resources to players, such as self-exclusion programs or other entities to seek assistance if a gambling issue arises. Education is key to protecting players and ensuring no harm comes to online casino members. Utilize resources to learn more about problem gambling to see what you can do to gamble responsibly and avoid any potentially addictive behavior.

It can be difficult to understand who will be affected by a gambling addiction. Even the strongest-willed people with everything going for them can have an issue. Use the tips below to protect yourself and learn how to gamble responsibly. Simple changes or steps taken during gameplay can ensure you avoid any major gambling addiction.

• Set Limits: Most online casinos make it easy for players to set limits when it comes to gaming. You can set a limit on your deposit amount, how much you play per session, or time limits for gaming. Consider setting limits for yourself based on what you can afford to lose. You can also just deposit what you wish to play and once that amount is lost, stop the session.
• Stop Playing When It’s No Longer Entertainment: Gambling should be a fun hobby that you enjoy as entertainment. Watch out for your emotions if you start to get upset when gambling or chasing losses. If you feel sad, angry, or another negative emotion when playing, it’s time to stop.
• Only Play with Disposable Income: Always consider the amount of money you can play per session. Never pull from your mortgage fund or money for other expenses such as utilities or medical expenses. If you start to spend money needed for something else, you need to take a break.
• Be Prepared to Lose: While there are systems and strategies in place to help increase win potential, there is no surefire way to win consistently. That means you should be prepared to lose. Keep this in mind, and you will be able to enjoy responsible gambling.
• Know Your Self-Exclusion Options: Every player needs to know the option for self-exclusion in their state. Land-based casinos and online operators offer self-exclusion programs. The Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey work closely together to offer self-exclusion programs. Players can select a time frame in which to exclude from services to work on a potential gambling problem. 

Players that follow these tips will enjoy quality online casino gaming in a positive manner. By implementing responsible gambling measures into your betting strategy, players can spin slots and play table games without an inherent risk of developing an addiction.

Most players think that addiction can’t happen to them, but it can. Starting off gambling on the right foot with protective measures in place certainly helps to lower your risk. We suggest that every gambler consider their behavior when enjoying online casino games note any changes in their attitude or emotions.

Casinos

Online casino sites should also adhere to responsible gambling protocols. Regulators want licensed providers to protect members by offering limitations, trained employees, and self-exclusion options. Certain rules and regulations must be followed at all times that keep the player in mind.

• Properly Trained Employees: Every online casino licensed in New Jersey must train its employees to recognize problem behavior. Flags should be raised if a player starts to act erratically, such as with larger deposits or requests for credit. Employees should have the know-how to determine if a player needs assistance with problem gambling.
• Limitations on Gambling: Online casinos should also have limitations in place to protect their members. Players can set deposit limits to avoid adding too much money or time limits on gaming sessions. Setting limitations is key to responsible gambling. An online casino should have the limit settings clearly visible so players can take advantage of them.
• Self-Exclusion: Players also need to know how to self-exclude if an issue arises. Online casino sites should have an easy system in place in case a player needs a time-out. Sites may offer 30 to 60 day time outs or longer options to ensure that players are not vulnerable to a major online gambling addiction.

The goal of responsible gambling is to ensure that a user enjoys casino gaming without any issues. For gamblers, setting limits on spending and playtime is essential. While responsible gambling is promoted by online casino sites, how do you know how to recognize if you have a gambling problem?

It is essential that every gambler understands what red flags to look for when it comes to a gambling problem. Below we will list these red flags as well as a questionnaire you can use to determine if you have a gambling problem. Read through these red flags and take note of any that apply to you. If you find that most are significant in your life, it could be a sign to seek professional assistance.

Problem Gambling Red Flags

• Becoming obsessed with gambling and wanting to play casino games all the time.
• Experience a high feeling when gambling.
• Gambling more money over time with longer or more frequent sessions.
• Using gambling to escape problems in life, such as with work or relationships.
• Losing interest in everyday activities.
• You try to stop or control gambling, but it doesn’t work.
• Acting irritable or restless when not gambling.
• Lie about losses or exaggerate any wins.
• Chase a loss with more spending.
• Bet until you have no more money left.
• Get into worse financial shape over time due to gambling.
• Need help financially due to gambling spending.
• Beg for, borrow, or steal money to pay a gambling debt.

If you are experiencing any of these red flags, then you most likely have a gambling problem. It is important to seek help if you find that gambling is becoming an issue for you. Below are a few questions you can ask yourself to see if you may have a gambling issue.

1. Have you lost time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling made your life at home unhappy?
3. Has gambling ever affected your reputation?
4. Have you felt remorse after gambling?
5. Have you gambled before to obtain money to pay off debt?
6. After losing at gambling, did you feel you needed to return and try to win back your losses?
7. After a win, have you felt the urge to return and gamble more to try for another win?
8. Do you often gamble until you have no more money to spend?
9. Have you ever borrowed money to finance your gambling habit?
10. Have you ever sold an item for gambling funds?
11. Have you ever gambled longer than planned?
12. Have you gambled to avoid worries, boredom, or loneliness?
13. Have you ever done something illegal to finance a gambling habit?
14. Have you considered suicide or self-destructive behavior due to gambling?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to seek professional assistance. Counseling and other treatment options, such as on-site programs, are beneficial to breaking the cycle associated with gambling. We will provide detailed information below on how you can seek help on a local and national level.

Now that you can see a problem gambling issue exists, what can you do? In New Jersey, the Council on Compulsive Gambling and Division of Gaming Enforcement work together to offer a self-exclusion program for assistance. The program is offered for online and land-based gaming. The nonprofit offers statewide help for problem gambling needs. The entity can provide education, outreach services, training, counseling, and treatment.

A free consultation is offered by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or contacting officials at www.800.gambler.org. Players can also utilize text support via the 1-800 number or visit the website for live chat assistance. For treatment, the group offers resources for state-funded options as well as private treatment support.

Players can sign up for self-exclusion at a casino in Atlantic City or visit the New Jersey Racing Commission to fill out a self-exclusion application. Players can exclude for one year, five years, or a lifetime.

Online gaming self-exclusion can be completed via this link:

https://www.njportal.com/dge/selfexclusion

On a national level, players have access to the International Center for Responsible Gaming. This organization offers research materials, including short articles and videos that provide insight into responsible gambling behaviors.

The National Council on Problem Gambling is another resource. This group provides links and resources for players in New Jersey and other states. Self-screening tools can be used to identify problem gambling behaviors and seek appropriate assistance.

Gambling Anonymous is yet another option, offering support for players in need. The national hotline and New Jersey group can be reached via telephone at 1-855-222-5542. The website of the organization provides support group meeting information for Gamblers Anonymous, including directions to local meetings.

Use the resources below to find support for yourself or loved ones struggling with a problem gambling issue. We have provided telephone numbers and website addresses to help you get started.

Problem gambling is a real issue that players need to be aware of. By using this guide, recognizing any red flags or signs, and seeking help is the first step in recovery. Be sure to seek assistance if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from a gambling addiction. There are services offered across the United States that can help with an addiction problem. Self-exclusion and counseling are great tools to help you or someone you love get back on track. Don’t feel as if you are alone. There are many people in the United States that suffer from gambling addiction.

This is why support, research, and education are so prevalent. With the right tools in place and support, you can overcome any problem gambling issue. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help so you can receive the appropriate treatment needed to overcome problem gambling before it causes more issues or strain in your life. Use the local options above to reach out for help and locate more options in your immediate area for assistance.