On Thursday, New Jersey legislators made significant progress by advancing three bills focused on responsible gambling, aimed at strengthening consumer protections within the state’s online sports betting and iGaming sectors. These measures address issues related to sportsbook account limitations, advertising practices, and self-exclusion protocols.
The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee approved these bills as part of a broader initiative for 2026, aimed at mitigating gambling-related harms in one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the United States.
One of the key proposals, Senate Bill 3419, mandates that sports wagering operators establish and publicly disclose rules regarding the restrictions placed on customer accounts, which will require approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
This legislation obligates sportsbooks to provide written notifications and justifications whenever restrictions are applied to player accounts. Additionally, operators must submit annual reports detailing the frequency and nature of these limitations.
Senator Paul Moriarty, who sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of these regulations, stating, “While restrictions on players can be beneficial in preventing gambling-related harms, limits are currently imposed without any notice or explanation.” He further criticized the current system, mentioning that sportsbooks often set limits on winning players to protect their profits, which he termed an abuse of power. “By requiring sportsbooks to clearly outline their rules and regulations, we can enhance accountability and ensure that only genuinely at-risk players face restrictions,” Moriarty added.
Another significant measure, Senate Bill 2356, calls for the DGE to conduct a comprehensive 12-month study to evaluate the effectiveness of language used in gambling advertisements and promotions.
This study will explore whether certain words or phrases promote responsible gambling, the impact of font size and placement on visibility, the effectiveness of repeated messaging, and how advertising language resonates with problem gamblers, self-excluded individuals, and underage audiences.
Based on the findings, the division will develop between three to ten key terms or phrases to be incorporated into advertisements for casino games and sports pools, in addition to existing mandated language, such as, “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and needs help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.”
The bill also aims to limit gambling advertisements and promotions near educational institutions or on media platforms that primarily target underage or self-excluded individuals.
The third bill, Senate Bill 2362, stipulates that individuals wishing to be removed from the self-exclusion list must view educational and counseling videos prior to their reinstatement.
These videos will cover topics such as gambling risks, coping strategies, and available support resources. Furthermore, the legislation allows for third-party requests for individuals to be excluded from gambling under specific conditions.
Before becoming law, these bills must be approved by the full Senate and Assembly, after which they will be sent to Governor Mikie Sherrill for final consideration.