New Jersey's Responsible Gambling Task Force proposes major reforms to Gov. Murphy

New Jersey's Responsible Gambling Task Force has released a sweeping 109-page report outlining a series of proposed reforms aimed at curbing problem gambling across the state. 

The report was submitted to Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on Monday, offering a comprehensive blueprint for enhancing responsible gaming initiatives, Play NJ reported.

The task force was formed in June 2024 following a Rutgers University study that revealed 6% of New Jersey residents are at high risk for problem gambling, significantly higher than the national average of 1 to 2%. 

The report recommends creating the New Jersey Unified Responsible Gaming Evaluation Board (URGE) to oversee responsible gambling policies, funding, and regulatory reforms. It also calls for the launch of a centralized responsible gambling website, the implementation of a universal self-exclusion list, and expanded education and prevention initiatives, particularly targeting young, legal-age gamblers.

“New Jersey has long been a leader in the gaming industry, and with that leadership comes the responsibility to ensure the well-being of our residents," Murphy said in a statement. “I appreciate the Task Force’s efforts to create a safer and more supportive gaming environment, particularly for our most vulnerable communities.”

“I’m proud that New Jersey is leading the charge in tackling problem gaming,” added Attorney General Platkin, who chairs the task force. “We’re already recognized nationally for our data-driven responsible gaming tools, and I’m encouraged by our multiagency task force’s thoughtful recommendations to take our efforts even further and strengthen support for those who need it most.”

Despite its comprehensive scope, the report was criticised by anti-smoking advocates for largely omitting the link between indoor smoking and problem gambling. A single footnote on page 91 references the issue, directing readers to an external comparison between smoking and gambling addiction. This omission has drawn criticism from Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), a grassroots coalition of casino workers advocating for smoke-free environments.

“Buried in a footnote of the report is a quiet admission that smoking and problem gambling go hand-in-hand, but the governor completely sidesteps the issue in his recommendations to address it,” said Pete Naccarelli, CEASE co-founder and longtime Atlantic City table games dealer, in a statement to PlayNJ. "This is what hypocrisy looks like."

Naccarelli continued: “Governor Murphy had an opportunity to lead. Instead, he chose to punt. If New Jersey is truly serious about responsible gaming, it’s time to stop dancing around this issue and finally end indoor smoking in casinos."

CEASE has made multiple appeals to the governor on this issue, including a high-profile protest during the League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City last November. The group has also called on First Lady Tammy Murphy, known for her advocacy in maternal health, to lend her voice to their campaign.