New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) have introduced new data-driven responsible gambling requirements for operators, becoming the first US state to make such policies mandatory.
“We are proud to enact regulations that require operators to offer resources, including live support if appropriate, to those struggling with problem gambling,” Davenport said.
“We have a responsibility to keep the gaming industry accountable and ensure that help is available to those who need it.”
New Jersey operators will now be required to appoint a responsible gaming lead who will oversee such efforts, as well as create mandatory patron play thresholds and behavioral triggers to identify customers who may need support.
Motivation for the heightened measures could have stemmed from recent allegations made against DraftKings, which found that the operator has utilized AI to target losing bettors.
Within the release, New Jersey regulators claimed the state is “aware of recent reports that some operators are using aggressive marketing tactics to target gamblers who are exhibiting signs of a gambling disorder.”
The New Jersey Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee also unanimously approved AR 150 in September, which urges heightened restrictions on gambling advertisements following the incident involving MLB player Bryce Harper and FanDuel.
In November 2024, Harper filmed a 21-second video for FanDuel user Terry Thompson on Cameo, where the Philadelphia Phillies first baseman addresses Thompson – and his son – by name, while the clip is also marked with a FanDuel logo.
DGE Interim Director Mary Jo Flaherty also spoke on the new requirements, having said, “These initiatives reflect DGE’s commitment to responsible gaming through practical, proven methods.
“Our regulations identify and respond to gambling-related harm. When signs of problem gaming arise, operators must act to ensure early intervention and support, tiered to individual need.”
On October 16, the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee chose to advance bill S597, which looks to decriminalize underage gambling across the state and instead issue fines of up to $2,000 for such offenses.
S597 would alter the penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from a disorderly persons criminal offense to a civil fine of up to $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second and $2,000 for a third offense.
The New Jersey DGE reported the state’s gaming activity for September 2026 on October 19, as casino, iGaming and sports wagering revenue totaled $579.6m, equating to growth of 2.8%
