As we already know, New Jersey is one of the largest gambling markets in the United States. As such, NJ has decided to become one of the leading states in the country that will assist at-risk gamblers who did or may develop compulsive behavior and gambling addiction.
Recently, New Jersey state officials have also announced that they plan on implementing and new dedicated hotline, as well as a virtual feature where gamblers can voluntarily exclude themselves for state gambling.
That said, gamblers can choose to call a toll-free number (1-833-788-4DGE) or choose to participate in a video call with New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement staff and decide to exclude themselves from any in-person of online forms of gambling activities.
This is just one of the practices in a series yet to come that were announced by the New Jersey’s Office of Attorney General and the DGE.
The fact of the matter is that New Jersey is quite a gambling-friendly state. Aside from nine casinos in Atlantic City alone, there are over 20 online gambling operators including NJ mobile casino apps and sportsbooks, horse races and state-sanctioned lottery. With so many gambling options available to NJ residents, there’s bound to be a lot of at-risk gamblers who are in need of assistance.
During the press release regarding the announcement of the new hotline, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the following:” 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. 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.”
Back in April, Platkin also revealed a series of responsible gaming practices aimed at the reduction of excessive or misleading marketing by gambling operators during his speech at the East Cost Gaming Congress held at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. These practices also included the creation of the state’s very first Responsible Gaming Coordinator position which is currently held by the Deputy Attorney general, Jamie McKelvey.
It seems that the state of New Jersey is very keen on further regulating gambling activities within their borders. For the time being, the main focus is on helping those in need, which are gamblers more prone to developing addiction.
