New Jersey to Launch New Responsible Gambling Awareness Campaign

Article by : Erik Gibbs Mar 25, 2024

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New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has unveiled an extensive public awareness campaign to curb problem gambling, with a particular focus on sports betting.

The initiative aims to emphasize responsible gaming principles, fostering a culture where gambling is enjoyed responsibly while mitigating potential harm to both individuals and society at large.

Through this campaign, individuals will be equipped with resources to recognize signs of compulsive gambling, which can adversely affect finances, health, employment and interpersonal relationships.

Platkin emphasized the importance of raising awareness about problem gambling, particularly in the wake of the legalization of sports wagering. He underscored the need to provide comprehensive support and resources to those grappling with gambling-related challenges.

The campaign will spotlight the array of responsible gaming tools available through the Attorney General’s office and its partners, offering assistance to individuals seeking help and guidance in overcoming gambling issues.

The campaign, primarily focused on online advertisements during Super Bowl LIX in 2025, strategically aligns with major sporting events like March Madness, NBA/NHL playoffs, the Olympics, MLB postseason and Triple Crown horse races.

Responsible betting is the campaign’s core message. It aims to caution potential bettors, particularly during emotionally charged or in-game betting situations. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of employing limits and controls, and educates on the disparity between legal and illegal platforms in terms of protective measures.

Moreover, the campaign underscores the significance of choosing licensed operators endorsed by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). It encourages individuals to verify operators’ legitimacy through the DGE website before placing bets, ensuring a safer and more responsible gambling experience.

Mary Jo Flaherty, Interim Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), enthusiastically welcomed the enhancements to responsible gaming resources in 2023, recognizing its potential to raise public awareness and equip individuals with tools for responsible gambling.

These resources include strategies like self-awareness, taking breaks and extended periods of abstinence.

In response to the high-risk problem gambling rate identified in New Jersey by a 2023 Rutgers study commissioned by the DGE, measures were implemented to require online wagering companies to use technology to identify and assist at-risk patrons.

Additionally, video conferencing was introduced to facilitate self-exclusion enrollment without requiring travel.

The campaign targets demographics and age groups identified as most at-risk, particularly young men and Black/African American or Hispanic individuals aged 18-44, who represent around 19% of high-risk cases, according to the Rutgers report.

New Jersey residents facing gambling-related challenges are encouraged to utilize the state’s free 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, provided by the nonprofit Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, offering access to recovery programs and resources for overcoming gambling addiction.