On June 12, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and David Rebuck, director of the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), announced the roll-out of a new hotline as well as a new virtual self-exclusion tool to help combat the effects of problem gambling.
From now on, any players who wish to bar themselves from betting in New Jersey can call 1-833-788-4DGE, a new dedicated toll-free number, to kickstart the exclusion process. Callers may also use the line to set up either in-person on virtual meetings with DGE staff, which is a new service not offered before.
The program applies to those looking to stop in-person betting, online betting or both. Regulators did note however that online exclusion can be done remotely but an in-person meeting is needed to submit an in-person exclusion.
“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,” Platkin said in a statement. “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.”
“We hope the new tools being unveiled today will help to further reduce the risk of problem gambling,” Rebuck added. “By promoting responsible gaming practices, we can help keep gaming an enjoyable and entertaining activity for all.”
According to the DGE, the agency will also be updating the Responsible Gaming section of its website soon, to include information such as:
- DGE regulations for responsible gaming;
- DGE responsible gaming tips for operators;
- Reports from Rutgers University that explore the impact of mobile sports betting and iGaming; and
- Self-exclusion information
