New Jersey Senate panel advances responsible gambling bills targeting ads, account limits

New Jersey lawmakers advanced three responsible gambling bills on Thursday aimed at tightening consumer protections in the state’s online sports betting and iGaming markets, including measures targeting sportsbook account restrictions, gambling advertisements, and self-exclusion rules.

The bills were approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee as part of a broader 2026 push by lawmakers and regulators to address gambling-related harms in one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the United States.

One proposal, Senate Bill 3419, would require sports wagering operators to adopt and publish rules governing limitations placed on customer wagering accounts, subject to approval by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).

The legislation would require sportsbooks to provide written notice and explanations when restrictions are imposed on player accounts. Operators would also have to submit annual reports detailing the frequency and types of limitations applied.

“While restrictions on players can be helpful to prevent gambling harms or reduce risks, limits are currently placed with zero notice or reason given,” said Senator Paul Moriarty, who introduced the bill.

“This lack of regulation allows sportsbooks to set limits on players who frequently win to avoid losing money, a clear abuse of power,” Moriarty added. “Requiring sportsbooks to outline explicit rules and regulations on limitations will boost accountability and ensure that only players who are truly at risk are being restricted.”

Another measure, Senate Bill 2356, would require the DGE to conduct a 12-month study examining the effectiveness of language used in gambling advertisements and promotions.

The study would assess whether specific words or phrases encourage responsible gambling, how font size and placement affect visibility, whether repeated messaging loses effectiveness, and how advertising language reaches problem gamblers, self-excluded individuals, and underage audiences.

The division will then review and use this study as the basis for developing not less than three, but not more than 10 key words or phrases to be included in advertisements for casino games and sports pools, in addition to language already required, such as ‘If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.’”

The bill also seeks to restrict gambling advertisements and promotions near schools and college campuses, or on media platforms primarily targeting underage or self-excluded individuals.

A third bill, Senate Bill 2362, would require individuals seeking removal from self-exclusion lists to watch educational and counseling videos before reinstatement.

The videos would address gambling risks, coping strategies, and support resources, according to the legislation. The measure would also permit third-party requests for individuals to be excluded from gambling under certain circumstances.

The bills must still pass the full Senate and Assembly before being sent to Governor Mikie Sherrill for consideration.