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New Jersey state Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union) introduced legislation last week that would “narrowly” target sports betting and casino advertisements that are deemed to be fraudulent, tailored to people on the state’s self-exclusion lists, or that directly appeal to underage persons.
The bill, S4021, was introduced late last week and won’t be heard, in committee or otherwise, until autumn at the earliest, as the state legislature is set to begin its unofficial summer break Friday.
The exact language of the bill reads as follows: “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’s bill makes no mention of what, precisely, would qualify as an advertisement that breaks the rules. However, the bill does stipulate that the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement would be tasked with figuring it out.
“This bill requires the Division of Gaming Enforcement to promulgate rules to restrict advertisements made by casino licensees and sports wagering licensees that relate to casino games or sports wagering, only if those advertisements (1) are fraudulent or deceptive, (2) are directed at individuals on the lawfully established self-exclusion list, or (3) directly appeal to those individuals under the legal age to gamble or wager,” the text reads.
Responsible gambling expert likes outline
While details of the bill are still to come, Brianne Doura-Schawohl, a noted problem and responsible gambling consultant who represents the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, is already thrilled with the broad outlines.
“I and the Campaign for Fairer Gambling are incredibly supportive of Senator Cryan’s bill,” Doura-Schawohl said. “Any piece of legislation that further clarifies what is and is not permissible relating to gambling advertisements and promotions is imperative. There is significant evidence mounting across the U.S. that consumers are falling subject to misleading and predatory advertisements. It is patently unfair and unjust to entice people into gambling with terms and conditions that result in more commitments to gamble.”
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She also pointed to the other states and regulators that have taken similar measures.
“We don’t need to look any further than the numerous class-action suits that we’ve seen filed across the country, many surrounding what used to be the ever ubiquitous marketing tactic of the ‘risk-free’ bet,” Doura-Schawohl said. “In recent months, we have seen a number of regulatory bodies conduct hearings questioning licensees on some of their more provocative and misleading promotions and even revise rules and regulations to further clarify what will be acceptable moving forward.”
This isn’t the first time Cryan has entered the sports betting advertising fray. He has another bill, S4020, that would put an end to colleges and universities teaming up with sportsbooks on marketing deals in New Jersey. He is also a co-sponsor of a resolution, SR127, that “condemns overproliferation of pro-gambling advertisements in NJ.” Sports Handle’s calls to Cryan seeking comment were not returned.
Cryan’s latest bill comes on the heels of the DGE installing its own new rules around sportsbook advertising, including banning the use of terms such as “risk free” unless the would-be wagers are truly without risk.
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