The basics:
- New Jersey adopts first-in-nation responsible gaming regulations
- Operators must monitor betting activity for signs of problem gambling
- High-risk account activity will trigger mandatory reviews
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Gaming Enforcement announced sweeping data-driven responsible gaming requirements for gaming operators Oct. 20.
The requirements are the first in the nation to be put into state regulations with the backing of the law.
“We are proud to enact regulations that require operators to offer resources, including live support if appropriate, to those struggling with problem gambling,” Davenport said in a statement. “We have a responsibility to keep the gaming industry accountable and ensure that help is available to those who need it.”
Operators must abide by the following regulations:
- Appoint a responsible gaming lead employee to oversee problem gambling prevention
- Monitor customer gambling activity for signs of problem gambling
- Maintain a list of customers identified as at-risk after review
- Discontinue promotions and advertisements to customers in Phase 2 or Phase 3 of intervention (see box)
- Keep responsible gaming intervention records for five years
- Prevent customers from reversing withdrawals during the first three days
- Require cool-off periods to last at least 72 hours
- The Attorney General’s Office defines a “cool-off period” as “a designated timeframe during which a patron voluntarily suspends access to their internet or mobile gaming account.”
Three phases of intervention:
- Phase 1: Email customers information about responsible gambling tools and support services
- Phase 2: Require customers to watch an educational video before placing additional bets
- Phase 3: Contact customers directly to discuss gambling concerns. After three unsuccessful contact attempts, suspend their accounts. Close accounts if customers continue to meet at-risk criteria following intervention
Properties also must step in and review any customer who triggers any of the following:
- Deposits more than $10,000 in 24 hours
- Deposits more than $100,000 in 90 days
- Attempts self-exclusion three times in 30 days without completing it
- Requests a second cool-off period within 45 days of the first’s ending
- Increases the number of wagers across two or more sessions in one week
- Increases gambling limits three consecutive times within seven days
- Cancels three withdrawals within 10 days, where cancellation is permitted
- Exceeds $1 million in account turnover within 90 days
- Increases weekly gambling account login time by 50% or more compared with the previous two-week period
- Finishes two gambling sessions in one week with less than $1 remaining
By implementing these regulations, the goal is to help identify and intervene in users who show a tendency of problematic gambling behaviors.
“New Jersey continues to lead the way in developing data driven best practices for Internet gaming and online sports wagering,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. “We continue to work to make the online world safer and to focus on safeguards that protect people’s wellbeing and help connect those who are struggling with the support they need.”
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