New Jersey Attorney General unveils new responsible gambling arsenal
Garden State lawmaker teams up with NJDGE on new online self-exclusion tool and dedicated hotline for at risk gamblers
The New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the state’s Attorney General’s office have debuted the first-of-its-kind dedicated hotline and online self-exclusion portal for those at risk from gambling-related harm.
The toll-free hotline, which can be used to set up an in-person appointment with specially trained DGE staff, will be used in conjunction with the online option – allowing gamblers to receive help without leaving their home.
Under the new initiative, gamblers showing warning signs will go through three levels of responses in an attempt to intervene and offer assistance.
At level one, an identified individual receives automated outreach regarding responsible gaming resources accessible in the state, including literature, tools and advice.
If the warning signals continue, the individual is shown a video tutorial explaining responsible gaming and available resources before being allowed to continue gambling. At the third level, the operator’s responsible gaming lead or team will directly contact and address the issue with the patron.
If signs of disorder continue, level three is activated and the operator’s responsible gaming lead will make direct contact to address the issue.
Alongside the hotline and self-exclusion portal, the DGE will soon launch an updated responsible gaming landing page on its website which will provide self-exclusion information, the DGE’s responsible gaming best practices for operators and its responsible gaming regulations.
Speaking about the changes, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin suggested the state was setting the standard for other states in respect of responsible gambling action.
“New Jersey has always been a national leader in gaming, as the first to allow casino gambling outside Nevada and the first to launch Internet gaming. And we are now focusing on making our pioneering state the standard in responsible gaming practices,” Platkin said.
“The efforts announced today underscore our commitment to helping problem gamblers by expanding the entry points for self-exclusion and other methods to receive assistance,” he added.
In associated comments, DGE director David Rebuck expressed his hope that the new initiatives would help reduce problem gambling in New Jersey.
“By promoting responsible gaming practices, we can help keep gaming an enjoyable and entertaining activity for all,” Rebuck explained.
In April, the state unveiled 15 new standards for online operators in respect of responsible gambling, with the state confirming the creation of a new responsible gaming coordinator role.
In tandem with the new self-exclusion tools, the DGE has now confirmed the appointment of Deputy Attorney General Jamie McKelvey as the state’s first RG coordinator, with McKelvey assuming the role in May.
McKelvey’s responsibilities include the development, oversight and implementation of its existing responsible gaming programs and future initiatives.
She will also be tasked with working alongside problem-gambling organizations in order to seek the best practices for prevention, education, awareness and outreach to those most at risk.