New Jersey's bold moves to combat gambling addiction and protect youth
New Jersey has long been a trailblazer in the gambling industry. From Atlantic City’s storied casinos to being one of the first states to legalise online betting, the Garden State knows how to bet big. However, with all that expansion comes some baggage—namely, a rise in problem gambling and concerns about youth exposure. That’s where the Responsible Gambling Task Force steps in, and their new report is packed with suggestions aimed at cleaning up the scene.
Background on gambling in New Jersey
New Jersey’s gambling industry thrives with legal sports betting, online casinos, and daily fantasy sports, generating billions annually to fund state programmes and tourism. However, not all bets are winners. The downside is that a growing number of residents, especially younger individuals, are showing signs of gambling addiction.
A Rutgers University found that New Jersey residents are at a higher risk of developing gambling problems compared to people in other states. That’s a significant red flag, and the government is finally taking it seriously.
Responsible gambling task force
Governor Phil Murphy created the Responsible Gambling Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of the problem and recommend significant changes. This is not a symbolic committee; it is charged with that can be applied across the board. Their mission is to make gambling safer for all, from recreational gamblers to those with addiction issues.
Key recommendations from the task force report
Gambling Education in Schools: One of the boldest moves in the report is the push to bring gambling education into elementary schools. The Task Force believes that if we can talk to children about drugs and alcohol early, we can talk to them about gambling too. The report stresses the importance of educating adults about the warning signs and long-term effects of gambling.
Responsible Gambling Board: To ensure all these efforts are effective, the report recommends establishing a Responsible Gambling Board. This board would track data, oversee initiatives, and ensure that safety measures are enforced.
Self-Exclusion Portal: Imagine opting out of every gambling site in New Jersey with just one click. That’s the idea behind a centralised self-exclusion portal. It aims to be simple, accessible, and confidential—just as it should be.
Reducing the appeal of gambling ads
Gambling ads are everywhere—on TV, social media, and even your favourite sports podcast. The report calls for toning these down, especially those that glamorise big wins or promote betting as a quick path to success. From now on, gambling ads might have to include clear warnings about the risks involved. Think cigarette-style disclaimers but for betting. These messages need to be visible, direct, and impossible to ignore. The Task Force wants limits on how often ads can appear and where they can be placed. Schools, public transport, and child-friendly TV shows could soon be off-limits.
Targeting youth gambling
The numbers are alarming—more children are gambling, and they’re starting younger than ever. The report zeroes in on fantasy sports platforms, calling for regulations that ensure they link to responsible gambling resources just like casinos do. Parents are encouraged to use tech-based parental controls to block access.
If companies don’t play by the rules, they’ll pay for it. The Task Force is pushing for heftier penalties for any operator caught skimping on safety or ignoring responsible gambling protocols. It’s all about accountability.
Unlicensed gambling concerns
One of the darkest corners of the gambling world is the unregulated market—offshore sportsbooks, shady sweepstakes, and unlicensed online casinos. The report makes it clear: these platforms are a threat. Not only do they evade regulation, but they also don’t contribute to state efforts for safer gambling. Studies show that around 25 percent of New Jersey adults have dabbled in these unlicensed spaces in the last two years.
If the recommendations are approved, we could see changes roll out within the year. That includes everything from curriculum updates in schools to new ad regulations and the launch of the exclusion portal.
