Despite the massive numbers the gambling industry is putting up in New Jersey, the Garden State’s governor wants to make sure people who may be developing an addiction, get the help they need.
Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed Executive Order 360, creating a task force to study “the impact of gaming and gambling offerings on underage individuals … and vulnerable populations; and review the obligations and requirements related to responsible gaming and problem gambling.”
In a press release announcing the move, Governor Murphy stated, ‘New Jersey is known as 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 ensure that we maintain our global leadership in gaming by providing the tools needed to address problem gaming for our residents.”
Multiple Offices To Take Part in Task Force
The task force will offer recommendations and advice on responsible gaming and problem gambling to the governor’s and attorney general’s offices.
The Attorney General will lead it and includes six additional public officials: the chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Director of the Division of State Lottery, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, and the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services.
Problem Gambling Task Force Getting Support From All Sides
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin emphasizes that ‘responsible gaming’ is not just a buzzword in New Jersey but a critical issue demanding attention from government entities, industry, and stakeholders. The state has been a national leader in casino and sports wagering for many years, and it’s essential to review and expand existing efforts on problem gambling.
A recent Rutgers study revealed that over 500,000 New Jersey residents, particularly young males, are at high risk of problem gambling due to gaming addiction. The prevalence of problem gambling in New Jersey remains roughly triple the national average.
The Casino Association of New Jersey supports the task force and promises responsible advertising and marketing. The task force’s first report won’t be ready until March 2025.
Gambling Generating Big Numbers in New Jersey
This move coincides with significant growth in New Jersey’s gaming industry, where online casinos consistently generate over $175 million in revenue each month.
Overall, the industry has seen a 13% increase in revenue this year, with most categories experiencing continued growth in May. Although sports betting declined slightly for the month, it still outperformed last year’s revenues.
In May, New Jersey’s casinos, horse tracks, and online partners collectively won nearly $510 million from gamblers—an 8.3% increase from the previous year. Internet gambling also performed strongly, coming close to breaking its March record.
In addition to the task force, several bills have been introduced, aimed at addressing issues surrounding online gaming, sports wagering, and problem gambling.
Lawmakers believe this collective effort should help to keep problem gambling under control.
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