Last week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 360 into law, creating the Responsible Gaming Task Force for retail and NJ online casinos. 

Murphy ordered the creation of the task force, saying it “shall be responsible for providing advice and recommendations to the Governor’s Office and to the Attorney General regarding reforms to support responsible gaming and to address problem gambling in New Jersey.”

“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,” Murphy continued.

He also added, “This Task Force will see to it that we maintain our global leadership in gaming by ensuring that we have the tools needed to address problem gaming for our residents.”

Numerous factors led to Murphy’s decision. One of them was a 2023 study by Rutgers University that examined how prevalent problem gambling is/was in the Garden State. 

The New Task Force Structure

Upon the creation of the task force, there will be seven government representatives involved, including the following: 

• Attorney General (serving as Chair)
• Chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission
• Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
• Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Director of the Division of State Lottery
• Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission
• Commissioner of the Department of Human Services

The first report is due for Murphy on March 31, 2025. From here until then, the Responsible Gaming Task Force can consult with “industry experts,” representatives of “regulated entities,” and “other knowledgeable individuals.” 

“I applaud Governor Murphy for his leadership in elevating responsible gaming initiatives through the establishment of a statewide task force,” Matthew Platkin, the state’s attorney general, said in a statement. “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.

Online gambling first came to New Jersey in 2013 in the form of online casino play. New Jersey was also among the leaders in bringing sports betting to the United States, launching online sports betting mere months following the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act being overturned. 

With these new ways to play and more players, the industry has seen more-than-steady growth over the last decade. 

Rutgers Study Results

According to the Rutgers study mentioned above, they estimate that about 6% of New Jersey residents have a “high risk” for problem gambling. That’s about 2% higher than the national average. 

After the study, Platkin mentioned that the state had an “obligation to help those suffering.” 

The study emerged months after the state created the “responsible gaming coordinator” position. This position ensures that online casinos and sports betting platforms in the state are compliant with industry regulations regarding market, advertising, and more. 

Now, we wait to see what the first report, due March 2025, will show us and Governor Murphy.

https://www.gambling.com/us/news/new-responsible-gaming-task-force-first-report-due-to-murphy-in-march-2025