The nine casinos in Atlantic City are supporting New Jersey's launch of the inaugural Responsible Gaming Task Force, a project led by Gov. Phil Murphy (D). 

Last week, Murphy signed Executive Order No. 360 to create the Responsible Gaming Task Force (RGTF). The Task Force, consisting of seven members, will offer guidance and suggestions to the governor’s office and the state attorney general regarding reforms that promote responsible engagement in New Jersey's extensive gaming sector. 

The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ), representing the nine casinos along the shore, expressed support for the establishment of the Task Force to Trenton lawmakers.

"The Atlantic City casino industry applauds New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for his leadership in addressing the issue of problem gambling in New Jersey through the formation of the Responsible Gaming Task Force. We are ready to work in partnership with the Murphy Administration to promote the well-being of our customers and the broader community in this effort,” a CANJ statement provided to Casino.org read.

The RGTF will be led by Attorney General Matt Platkin (D). Additional appointed members are Casino Control Commission Chair James Plousis and Division of Gaming Enforcement Interim Director Mary Jo Flaherty. 

Solutions Desired 

A report from Rutgers University’s Center for Gambling Studies in 2023 found that rates of problem gaming are increasing in the Garden State. New Jersey ranks as the second-wealthiest gaming state after Nevada. 

New Jersey hosts casinos in Atlantic City, along with retail and online sports betting, iGaming, and parimutuel wagering options. 

Last year, New Jersey's gaming revenue reached over $5.77 billion, setting a new record. In 2023, state taxes reached over $595.5 million. The American Gaming Association estimates that the state gaming sector has an annual economic influence of approximately $12 billion and sustains close to 52,000 jobs. 

Murphy and state officials aim to maintain the gaming industry’s strength, which casinos also desire. A key aspect of a healthy gaming market is responsible gaming. 

“New Jersey is known to be a gaming destination with historic locations like Atlantic City, amusement gaming at the Jersey Shore, notable horse racing venues, and more,” said Murphy. “This Task Force will see to it that we maintain our global leadership in gaming by ensuring that we have the tools needed to address problem gaming for our residents.”

Regarding Information 

The Rutgers research estimated that 6% of adult residents in New Jersey are at a high risk for problem gambling, which is considerably above the national average expected to be approximately 1-2%. 

In New Jersey, Black and Hispanic individuals face the greatest risk of wagering more than what they can handle losing or had intended to gamble prior to their initial bet. The report indicated that over 15% of these ethnic groups are classified as “high-risk problem gamblers.” 

The report found that individuals with annual household incomes below $15,000 are most likely to be high-risk problem gamblers.

"The results highlight the need for thoughtful consideration of the impacts of continued gambling expansion and the potential need to regulate or otherwise limit high-risk activities or advertising that targets particular groups or provides misleading promises,” the Rutgers executive summary read.

Scholars suggested that the many regulatory bodies in New Jersey overseeing gaming operations hinder a statewide initiative to enhance responsible gaming. 

“Those agencies have separate policies governing responsible gaming, including varying terms for self-exclusion and requirements for sign up (e.g., online versus in-person). Going forward, establishing best practices will necessitate the development of uniform regulations around RG initiatives and practices, including online access to self-exclusion sign-up and limit-setting features, in a way that is the least stigmatizing for individual consumers,” the report concluded.