New Jersey proposes new rules for responsible online gambling standards

• New Jersey regulators propose draft rules requiring online operators to monitor and respond to specific player behaviour triggers
• The plan mandates a three-step intervention process including email warnings, educational video, and direct contact
• Operators must designate a responsible gaming lead to counsel the player in case of need

New Jersey regulators have announced draft regulations that would require all licensed online casino and sportsbook operators to adopt mandatory responsible gambling standards.

The proposal, introduced by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) this September, aims to replace voluntary and inconsistent practices with uniform rules designed to identify and assist players showing signs of gambling problems.

New gambling limits

Under the proposals, operators must automatically review accounts exhibiting certain defined “triggers.”

These include deposits exceeding $10,000 in a 24-hour period, total deposits above $100,000 over three months, or wagering more than $1 million within ninety days.

Other red flags include:

• accessing the self-exclusion page multiple times without taking action;
• repeated requests for cooling-off periods;
• cancelling withdrawal requests multiple times;
• other behaviours such as significantly increased login frequency or ending sessions with less than one dollar remaining.

Operators will be required to designate one employee as a responsible gaming lead to maintain a list of players flagged for potential risk and ensure the prescribed interventions are followed.

Three-step response framework

The new process mandates a three-step response when risk is identified.

The first stage involves sending an email providing information about available responsible gambling tools and support services. If risky behaviour continues, the player’s betting activity must be suspended until they watch a DGE-approved instructional video on responsible gambling.

The final step requires the responsible gaming lead to make direct contact, by phone or video call, to counsel the player and discuss next steps.

If three attempts to reach the player directly fail, the account will be suspended until contact is made. Continued problematic behaviour after intervention could result in permanent account closure.

New withdrawal rules

The proposals also ban operators from encouraging players to reverse withdrawal requests and require a three-day waiting period on withdrawal cancellations.

Operators must collect gender data from verified players for annual reporting on gambling harm and have the option to implement stricter protections beyond the mandated minimum.

The initiative follows a 2023 executive order that established a Governor’s Responsible Gaming Task Force. The DGE has worked for over nine months to draft these standards, motivated by the increasing scale of online play since New Jersey launched internet casinos in 2013 and sports betting in 2018.

Previously, operators were expected to handle responsible gambling internally with varied policies, but no mandatory uniformity existed.

The proposal is open for public comment until November 14, 2025.

Industry stakeholders, advocacy groups, and the wider public can provide feedback before the DGE finalises the regulations. The move is expected to boost player safety, ease regulatory oversight, and demonstrate New Jersey’s commitment to addressing problem gambling comprehensively.

The regulations could also influence other jurisdictions considering similar harmonised responsible gambling frameworks for their online markets.

The full proposal can be reviewed on DGE’s website at 57 N.J.R. 2230(a)