New Jersey sportsbooks will face tougher advertising rules after Garden State regulators announced a sweeping plan to bolster responsible gambling measures.
The 1-800-GAMBLER hotline will now need to be prominently displayed on all ads, and the public must be able to swiftly opt out of direct advertising.
Sportsbooks will also no longer be able to use the term “risk-free” on their betting bonuses, unless the rebate is paid in cash.
In the past, operators offered new customers large “risk-free bets” as an incentive to register for an online sports betting account.
However, most of these bonuses were not truly risk-free, as rebates were paid in bonus credits as opposed to cash. Customers then had to complete a 1x rollover requirement on the bonus funds before cashing out.
Most sportsbooks have already stopped using “risk-free” terminology, replacing it with terms like a “No Sweat First Bet” or a “Second Chance Bonus Bet.”
All wagering requirements must now be made clear in their terms and conditions attached to any bonuses.
“As New Jersey’s gaming and sports wagering industries continue to grow and mature, so do our obligations to assist patrons who are at risk for problem gambling,” said Attorney General Platkin.
“By establishing a dedicated, senior level position within the Division of Gaming Enforcement to focus on responsible gaming, we are sending a clear message that we take this work seriously – and so should the industry.
“Our other initiatives announced today will help protect consumers and make it easier for individuals to access the help they need when their gaming behavior becomes problematic.”