Senator Proposes Stricter New Jersey Sports Betting Advertisement Regulations

• New Jersey Senator introduced sports betting regulation bill to protect vulnerable populations
• Bill restricts advertisements that are fraudulent or deceptive
• Also restricts sports betting advertisements that appeal to those under 21

A Senator hopes to pass a New Jersey sports betting and casino advertising bill to “protect vulnerable populations” in the state from potentially adverse effects associated with sports betting and gambling.

Sen. Joseph P. Cryan (D-20) introduced S4021, a bill designed to narrowly target gambling advertisements that may be described as “fraudulent, or designed to entice individuals on the self-exclusion list or who are under the legal age to gamble.”

The bill would restrict deceptive or fraudulent sports betting and casino gambling advertisements in the state.

Several states have recently cracked down on sports betting advertisements deemed to be misleading or targeting those under the legal age to gamble.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations in New Jersey

Cryan introduced the bill but a vote has yet to be scheduled.

Cryan’s bill will regulate sports betting advertisements as follows:

“(12) sports pool related advertising of sports wagering licensees, or their contracted operators, to ensure their advertisements are in no way deceptive or fraudulent, do not direct unsolicited advertisements towards individuals on the list of self-excluded persons established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2001, c.39 (C.5:12-71.2), and do not appeal directly to individuals under the legal age to wager.”

The bill would require the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to promulgate rules to restrict advertisements in this way.

The bill, however, does not give specific examples of sports betting and casino ads that would be “fraudulent or deceptive.”

States Restricting Sports Betting Advertising Language

While no specific details were given in Cryan’s bill, it could very well look to eliminate “free bet” or “risk free” language from sports betting advertisements. Ohio and Massachusetts have approved such restrictions as well, with Ohio doling out hundreds in thousands in fines to operators that have not abided by the advertising rules.

In January, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) issued two notices of violation after DraftKings failed to include a required responsible gaming message on one of its platforms. Additionally, the commission noted that the operator advertised promotions or bonuses that used the term “free” or “risk-free” when patrons were required to incur a loss or risk their own money to obtain the promotion. These violations resulted in a $150,000 fine for the operator.

Additionally, the OCCC also fined DraftKings $350,000 after the operator mailed out approximately 2,500 advertisements directly addressed to individuals under the age of 21.

It’s likely that Cryan’s new bill will restrict similar issues for New Jersey sports betting operators and casinos.

“Gambling on casino games or sporting events is a potentially addictive behavior that can result in mental, social, and financial stresses to an individual, their family, and their community. While gambling in various forms and through various mediums is legal in this State, it is necessary to take steps to protect vulnerable populations in this State from the adverse effects associated with gambling. This bill narrowly targets gambling advertisements that are fraudulent, or designed to entice individuals on the self-exclusion list or who are under the legal age to gamble, while leaving available all other means and methods of advertising,” Cryan wrote in the legislation.