New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday announced the release of the Responsible Gaming Task Force’s report to address problem gambling and promote responsible gaming in the Garden State.
New Jersey Responsible Gaming Task Force Strongly Opposes Sweepstakes Gaming
The Responsible Gaming Task Force has endorsed a proposed ban on sweepstakes casinos, which is currently under consideration in the legislature after Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese introduced a ban proposal.
The 109-page “Report to the Governor on Responsible Gaming,” dated March 31, outlines the task force’s findings and recommendations for preventing problem gambling and promoting responsible gaming practices in the state.
On page 38, the report mentions sweepstakes under “unregulated areas.” It reads, “the Sofis Report found that 28% of New Jerseyans have reported engaging in one or more forms of unregulated or illicit gambling in the past 24 months. These include participating in sweepstakes (purchasing coins for cash prizes)…”
The report makes it clear on page 39 that sweepstakes must be “free to enter, and if there are alternative methods of a paid entry to win, the paid method of entry has the same odds of winning a prize as the free entry method.” It also states that “federal law also requires that the odds of winning a prize must be disclosed.”
The Responsible Gaming Task Force adds that unlicensed sweepstakes and social casino operators that offer unregulated or unlawful gaming activities present major issues for retail casinos and licensed sportsbooks.
According to the Task Force, sweepstakes casinos lack legal age restrictions, independent software testing, and licensing requirements for their owners and employees. As a result, this leaves operations unchecked and raises concerns about potential ties to organized crime or other illicit activities.
Gov. Murphy Signed Executive Order No. 360 In June 2024
Last June, Gov. Murphy signed Executive Order No. 360, establishing a Responsible Gaming Task Force charged with providing advice and recommendations to the Governor’s Office and the Attorney General regarding reforms to enhance responsible gaming initiatives.
The Task Force was established in response to recent data, including a 2023 report from the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies which indicated a higher risk for problem gambling in New Jersey compared to the national average.
“New Jersey has long been a leader in the gaming industry, and with that leadership comes the responsibility to ensure the well-being of our residents,” said Gov. Murphy.
“I appreciate the Task Force’s efforts to create a safer and more supportive gaming environment, particularly for our most vulnerable communities.”
The report studied existing gaming regulations in New Jersey; an overview of responsible gaming in other jurisdictions; the impact of gaming on underage and vulnerable populations; education, prevention, and treatment for problem gaming; and funding to prevent and treat problem gaming.
“I’m proud that New Jersey is leading the charge in tackling problem gaming,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Chair of the Responsible Gaming Task Force.
“We’re already recognized nationally for our data-driven responsible gaming tools, and I’m encouraged by our multiagency task force’s thoughtful recommendations to take our efforts even further and strengthen support for those who need it most.”