New Jersey creates responsible gambling taskforce
Garden State Governor Phil Murphy signs Executive Order 360, with the team’s remit to include creating policy changes as part of final report due next year
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed Executive Order 360, setting up a responsible gambling taskforce to tackle gambling-related harms in the Garden State.
The launch of the taskforce comes following a 2023 study conducted by the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies which estimated that 6% of people in the state are at a high risk of suffering from problem gambling – three times the national average in population samples.
Chairing the taskforce will be Attorney General Matt Platkin, with the rest of the team made up six members, all of whom hold senior political positions across New Jersey.
These will be the New Jersey Casino Control Commission chairman James Plouisis, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs director Cari Fais, and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement director Mary Jo Flaherty.
The remainder of the taskforce will include Division of State Lottery director James Carey Jr, New Jersey Racing Commission interim executive director Thomas Salerno, and Department of Human Services commissioner Sarah Adelman.
Collectively, their remit will be to analyze various areas of the problem-gambling landscape, such as the effects gambling has on underage and vulnerable communities, as well as develop ways to improve responsible gambling.
The taskforce will also be assigned to create policy changes to address the issue in the state and develop a strategy for how existing and future funding can be put to best use.
While conducting their study, the team will consult with experts, representatives, and other stakeholders in both the public and private sector.
Once their final report is handed over by March 31, 2025, the taskforce will be disbanded in accordance with the Executive Order.
Governor 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 taskforce will see to it that we maintain our global leadership in gaming by ensuring we have the tools needed to address problem gaming for our residents.”
Attorney General Platkin added: “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.
“This taskforce demonstrates that ‘responsible gaming’ is not merely a buzzword in New Jersey but a critical issue that demands the attention of government entities, industry, and stakeholders.
“As chair of the taskforce, I’m eager to get underway in examining ways to help bring attention to and support the prevention and treatment of gambling disorder.”
New Jersey’s taskforce comes at a time when the New York Senate recently passed a bill that requires operators to improve responsible gambling messaging in ads.
It also follows news that a US-wide self-exclusion service is set to launch in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee in August, having been first announced in April.