NJ Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order No. 360 and Establishes Responsible Gaming Task Force

Article by : Milena Petrovska Jun 20, 2024

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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 360 on June 14, thus establishing a new task force. The so-called Responsible Gaming Task Force will be in charge of advising the Governor’s Office and the Attorney General.

Its main scope of work will be focused on recommendations associated with reforms targeting the support of responsible gaming and the addressing of problem gaming in the Garden State.

The announcement on the official NJ Governor website cites a 2023 Ruthers report that noted a rise in problem gambling in the state. It highlights how about 6% of NJ residents were at high risk for problem gambling. For comparison, the national average was standing at 1-2%, which further highlighted the worrisome situation in New Jersey.

Per the same report, Black/African American and Hispanic New Jersey residents were seeing the highest problem gambling rates.

Ensuring They Have the Tools Necessary to Address Problem Gambling

Governor Murphy mentioned how New Jersey was a known gaming spot with notable locations. He pointed out Atlantic City as one such location but also didn’t fail to mention the numerous amusement gaming locations at the Jersey Shore alongside the horse racing venues.

According to his statement, the newly established Task Force would ensure New Jersey maintained its worldwide leadership in gaming. More importantly, it would provide the tools necessary for addressing problem gambling for New Jersey residents.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated similar sentiments. He applauded the Governor for his role in enriching responsible gaming-related initiatives through the Task Force that would operate statewide.

Platkin also highlighted how New Jersey was a national leader in both sports betting and casino wagering for years. So, per his statement, the government was responsible to its residents to examine and increase its problem gambling protection efforts.

Responsible gaming wasn’t just a buzzword in The Garden State, the General Attorney stated. Instead, he said that the concept was “a critical issue” that demanded attention from everyone involved in the industry.

Platkin revealed that he was appointed Chair of the Task Force and expressed his eagerness to examine ways of preventing and treating gambling disorders.

Seven Government Representatives Comprising the Task Force

Per Executive Order No. 360, the Task Force will include seven government representatives. As mentioned, the Attorney General, a position currently held by Platkin, will serve as the Task Force Chair.

The rest of the members include:

1. The NJ Casino Control Commission Chair, a position currently held by James T. Plousis.
2. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Director, a position currently held by David Rebuck.
3. The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Director, a position currently held by Cari Fais.
4. The Division of State Lottery Director, a position currently held by James A. Carey, Jr.
5.  The Department of Human Services Commissioner, a position currently held by Sarah Adelman.
6. The NJ Racing Commission Executive Director, a position currently held by Judith A. Nason.

According to the official announcement, the Task Force would review several key areas associated with problem gambling. These include the effects problem gaming has on vulnerable and underage communities and developing strategies to improve responsible gaming. Finally, the Task Force would also need to recommend policy changes to address this serious issue.

The Task Force can consult industry experts, regulatory representatives, and other individuals from the public and private sectors as part of its operations.