The New Jersey lawmakers take responsible gambling quite seriously, and Governor Phil Murphy decided to demonstrate that by issuing Executive Order No. 360, which created a unique Responsible Gambling Task Force.
The Task Force will be responsible for providing advice to the Governor’s Office and Attorney General in regards to the reforms that should be made to promote responsible gambling and curb out problem gambling in New Jersey.
Gov. Murphy cited a number of sources, including a 2023 study from Rutgers University that demonstrates a significant impact of problem gambling in New Jersey.
Speaking in a statement about the newly founded Task Force, Gov. Murphy said: “New Jersey is known to be a gaming destination with historic locations like Atlantic City, amusement gaming at the Jersey Shore, notable horse racing venues, and more.”
“This Task Force will see to it that we maintain our global leadership in gaming by ensuring that we have the tools needed to address problem gaming for our residents.”
Extensive Task Force to Tackle the Problem
It was essential to create a body that can advise the Governor and Attorney General in a reliable manner, which is why the Responsible Gambling Task Force will be made up of representatives of no fewer than seven government agencies.
The following representatives, or their designees, will be seated on the Task Force:
- Attorney General — Chair
- Director of NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
- Director of NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE)
- Director of Division of State Lottery
- Chair of the NJ Casino Control Commission
- Commissioner of the Department of Human Services
- Executive Director of the NJ Racing Commission
The Task Force will be given a mandate to consult with industry insiders, regulated operators, and other persons of interests, and pass its reports directly to the Governor’s Office. The first such report is expected to hit Murphy’s desk in March 2025.
NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin commented: “I applaud Governor Murphy for his leadership in elevating responsible gaming initiatives through the establishment of a statewide task force.”
“New Jersey has been a national leader in casino and sports wagering for many years, and we owe it to our residents to review and expand our existing efforts on problem gambling.”
Both Murphy and Platkin have shown their commitment to creating a safer gaming environment for players in New Jersey, and the creation of the Responsible Gambling Task Force will be a great step in the right direction.
Rutgers Study Sparks RG Innovation
New Jersey has been one of the nation’s leaders in legal gambling, with the state’s sports betting and online casino revenue consistently growing over the past ten years.
However, this growth has also seen an increase in potential for problem gambling among the players, with a recent Rutgers University Study demonstrating that up to 6% adult residents of New Jersey may be at high risk, compared to just 4% nationwide.
When the study was released, AG Platkin spoke about the issue and said the lawmakers and regulators have a responsibility to help those suffering from gambling addiction.
A few months before the study, New Jersey also appointed its first Responsible Gambling Coordinator, a position designed to ensure that online sportsbooks and casinos comply with the strict advertising regulations, as well as other responsible gambling rules.
All these steps, in combination with the founding of the Responsible Gambling Task Force, should help New Jersey bring down the numbers of at-risk gamblers and help those already struggling with gambling addiction in the coming years.
As gambling industry in NJ continues to reach new heights, the importance of regulation and oversight has never been greater, and it is good to see the regulators take the responsibility and tackle the issue head-on.
