A New Jersey lawmaker is looking to crack down on how sports betting operators are advertising their products and to whom they are targeting.
As advertising for legal sports betting continues to come under fire from various states, a New Jersey lawmaker is looking to continue a crackdown on how and who operators can solicit.
Sen. Joseph Cryan introduced Bill S4021 this week to make sure advertisements from licensed sportsbook and casino operators are in “no way deceptive or fraudulent.”
The bill does not directly define how advertisements meet that description, but it also prohibits operators from directly targeting individuals under 21 and soliciting those on self-exempt lists.
The bill is still in the early stages of legislation, and with the General Assembly heading toward summer break, it will a while before the bill will attempt to advance.
Responsible gaming push
This is not the only attempt that the Garden State has made at tackling what legislators and state officials believe is a growing issue.
Other bills have been aimed at condemning the proliferation of pro-gambling ads, creating a diversion treatment program, prohibiting sportsbooks from partnering with university and college campuses, and educating youth on the risks of compulsive gambling.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin announced in April that the state would hire a responsible gaming coordinator to set new advertising standards and to identify gambling gaps and problems.
Booming business
New Jersey sports betting has recorded nearly $375 million in revenue during the first five months of 2023, up 39% year-over-year. Since legalizing sports betting in 2018, the Garden State has accepted over $38 billion in wagers, the most among all U.S. states.
A push in advertising regulations comes at a time when New Jersey is also looking to renew its online gaming law, which is set to expire in November. Legislators are planning to extend that law for another 10 years.
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