New Jersey has introduced mandatory behavioral monitoring requirements for online casinos and sportsbooks, becoming the first U.S. state to require data-driven assessments and intervention for customers showing signs of problem gambling.
The regulations, announced Wednesday by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, establish a three-stage intervention process and expand existing monitoring obligations for operators licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Operators must review accounts when customers deposit more than $10,000 within 24 hours or $100,000 over 90 days, record turnover of at least $1 million within 90 days, or visit the state’s self-exclusion page three times within 30 days without registering.
Other triggers include canceling withdrawal requests three times in 10 days, requesting a second cooling-off period within 45 days, increasing login time by 50% compared with the preceding two weeks, or ending multiple weekly sessions with less than $1 remaining or increased betting amounts.
Customers assessed as potentially at risk must be placed on a monitoring list. The first intervention involves an email explaining responsible gambling tools, including deposit, loss and time limits, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion and account closure.
The second stage requires customers to watch an educational video before resuming gambling. The third involves direct telephone or video contact, with operators required to provide details of a responsible gambling professional. Medical or law enforcement referrals are permitted when customers pose a danger to themselves or others.
Accounts may be suspended following three unsuccessful contact attempts or closed if a gambling problem is confirmed after the third intervention. DGE Interim Director Mary Jo Flaherty said the measures would “ensure early intervention and support, tiered to individual need.”
The requirements establish enforceable standards across operators that already maintain responsible gambling staff and consumer protection procedures. Davenport said the regulations were partly prompted by reports of aggressive marketing targeting customers displaying signs of gambling disorders.
In July, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that a FanDuel VIP customer exhibiting problematic betting behavior received a personalized video from MLB player Bryce Harper. The customer subsequently sued FanDuel, alleging the company exploited and encouraged his gambling addiction.
Davenport warned operators against attempting to “flout” state laws. “As the industry evolves, the state will adapt to new technologies and new issues that emerge in the industry. New Jersey will continue to consider ways to adjust and strengthen regulations to ensure it is protecting people from unscrupulous operators,” said Davenport.
The announcement follows a separate enforcement action this week in which Flaherty fined Penn Entertainment’s theScore Bet operation $78,000 for accepting unauthorized sports wagers or bet types, alongside $306.48 in disgorgement ordered against Penn Sports Interactive.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) supported the new requirements. “New Jersey continues to lead the way in developing data-driven best practices for internet gaming and online sports wagering,” said Gov. Sherrill.
“We continue to work to make the online world safer and to focus on safeguards that protect people’s well-being and help connect those who are struggling with the support they need.”
Luis Del Orbe, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, welcomed improved access to assistance. “The accessibility of gambling is so ridiculous,” said Del Orbe. “We are in favor of anyone who needs help getting it.”
However, he cautioned that excessive intervention could drive customers toward unregulated gambling platforms without comparable safeguards.