New Jersey to mull legislation against “deceptive or fraudulent” gambling ads
Bill aims to protect underage and vulnerable individuals from potential at-risk gambling
New Jersey will soon debate legislation to restrict so-called “deceptive or fraudulent” advertising by sports betting operators in the Garden State.
Senate bill 4021, authored by New Jersey Senator Joseph P. Cryan, focuses its efforts on all advertising which might be designed to mislead or entice self-excluded individuals, or attract those under the age of 21, the state’s legal age at which sports bets can be placed.
While no specifics are given in the legislation on what constitutes a deceptive or fraudulent advertisement, the bill is likely targeted at ending terms such as ‘risk free’ or ‘free bets’ from sportsbook ads in the state, strategies that while acquiring customers, have provoked the ire of regulators.
“(12) sports pool-related advertising of sports wagering licensees, or their contracted operators, to ensure their advertisements are in no way deceptive or fraudulent, do not direct unsolicited advertisements towards individuals on the list of self-excluded persons established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2001, c.39 (C.5:12-71.2), and do not appeal directly to individuals under the legal age to wager,”
Senate bill 4021
In support of this objective, Senator Cryan’s bill requires the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to introduce rules to restrict advertisements to meet this regulatory objective.
In his justification for tabling the bill, Senator Cryan acknowledged the need to protect vulnerable individuals while also punishing those operators targeting the state through these forms of ads.
“Gambling on casino games or sporting events is a potentially addictive behavior that can result in mental, social, and financial stresses to an individual, their family, and their community,” Senator Cryan wrote.
“While gambling in various forms and through various mediums is legal in this state, it is necessary to take steps to protect vulnerable populations in this state from the adverse effects associated with gambling.
“This bill narrowly targets gambling advertisements that are fraudulent, or designed to entice individuals on the self-exclusion list, or who are under the legal age to gamble, while leaving available all other means and methods of advertising,” the Senator concluded.
Senate bill 4021 has been referred to the Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee for further consideration and deliberation.
Earlier this month, the DGE and the New Jersey Attorney General’s office launched its first dedicated hotline and online self-exclusion platform for at-risk individuals, adding to its existing responsible gambling resources available to players.
Senator Cryan’s bill is one of a number of pieces of legislation geared around gambling advertisements in the state, with New Jersey Assembly members still debating AR 168, a bill which condemns the so-called “over proliferation” of gambling ads in the state.
AR 168 urges sportsbook operators and casinos to “exercise restraint and good judgement” in their advertising, and is currently on its second reading in the Assembly, having been previously? considered by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.