A proposed piece of legislation from New Jersey state Sen. Joe Cryan would formalize rules the state Department of Gambling and Enforcement has already put in place when it comes to online casino and sportsbook advertising.
Cryan introduced S4021 this week which seeks to crack down on deceptive advertising from state sportsbooks and iGaming sites.
The bill proposes inserting these two new pieces of language into the existing gambling act:
“Governing the gaming-related advertising of casino licensees, or their contracted operators, to ensure the advertisements 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 gamble”
and
“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.”
Cryan has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed to protect people from sportsbook advertising, including a measure to prohibit sports betting marketing partnerships between operators and state colleges and universities.
It is unclear how this bill would augment existing efforts from the state Attorney General’s office and the DGE, who have made it clear this is a priority.
In April the state announced plans to hire a responsible gambling “czar” to come in and manage the issue at a senior level. In tandem with the announcement, the DGE issued a 15-point plan to improve advertising standards. Those included the prohibition of phrases like “risk-free”, bolstered opt-out functionality, and limiting the number of people under the age of 21 who see these advertisements.
The New Jersey legislature will go on its summer recess on June 30 and return in the fall.
