N.J. establishes responsible gaming task force to combat problem betting

New Jersey has established a responsible gaming task force to come up with solutions to address growing problem gambling in a state with so many opportunities to place bets.

A recent report from the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies concluded nearly 6% of residents are at high risk for problem gambling — significantly more than the national average of 1%-2%. About 19% of high-risk gamblers are between the ages of 18 and 24.

The task force will be headed by Attorney General Matt Platkin, who will be the chairman, according to an announcement from Gov. Phil Murphy this month.

“This task force 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,” Platkin said in a statement. “As chair of the task force, I’m eager to get underway in examining ways to help bring attention to and support the prevention and treatment of gambling disorder.”

Platkin is joined on the task force by six other state officials.

• James T. Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission
• Cari Fais, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
• David Rebuck, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• James Carey, director of the Division of State Lottery
• Judith A. Nason, executive director of the New Jersey Racing Commission
• Sarah Adelman, commissioner of the Department of Human Services

Gamblers in New Jersey can play casino games online as well as bet on sporting events with their computer or phone in addition to wagering at slot machines and table games at Atlantic City’s eight casinos. Sports betting is also available at casinos and two racetracks — Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands.

The task force is expected to deliver a final report to Murphy next year.

New Jersey officials are also about three months into a nearly year-long campaign to promote responsible betting as the number of people gambling continues to climb.

Online advertisements began appearing during the NCAA basketball tournament in March and will run through Super Bowl LIX in February, the state Attorney General’s Office said. Ads were timed to run around the recently concluded NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs as well as the Triple Crown horse races that were held during the spring.

The formation of the task force comes months after a judge ruled Atlantic City’s casinos have no legal obligation to stop compulsive gamblers from betting. The judge dismissed a lawsuit from a self-described problem gambler who accused the Borgata and its parent company, MGM Resorts International, of plying him with offers to gamble despite knowing about his addiction.