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A New Jersey Assembly lawmaker has introduced legislation mirroring a Senate-approved responsible gambling measure that would tighten rules around self-exclusion programs and allow certain third parties to seek gambling bans on behalf of at-risk individuals.
Assembly Bill A5210, sponsored by Assemblyman William Moen Jr., serves as the companion bill to Senate Bill S2362, which advanced out of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee last month as part of a broader package of responsible gambling legislation.
The bill would require people seeking removal from New Jersey’s self-exclusion lists to first review educational and counseling materials about gambling risks, coping strategies and available support resources. It would also create a process allowing qualified third parties to petition regulators to place someone on an exclusion list under certain circumstances.
Companion bill follows Senate movement
PlayNJ recently reported on S2362 after it advanced alongside two other responsible gambling measures in the Senate.
The Senate version, sponsored by Sen. John McKeon, was reported favorably by committee and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on May 21.
The filing of A5210 gives the proposal a vehicle in the Assembly as lawmakers continue to examine responsible gambling policies in one of the nation’s largest regulated online gambling markets.
According to legislative records, A5210 is designated as the Assembly companion to S2362 and carries identical language.
What the bill would do
Under the proposal, individuals who voluntarily placed themselves on self-exclusion lists for Atlantic City casinos, online gambling platforms, racetracks and other regulated wagering products would need to watch educational and counseling videos before being removed from those lists. Regulators would determine the content requirements.
The legislation would also allow a third party to petition for another person’s exclusion from gambling if they can provide documentation showing a qualifying financial or legal relationship. Examples include:
- Proof of joint financial responsibility
- Shared credit obligations
- Legal dependency or certain court orders involving debts or unpaid child support
Any petition would require notice to the person targeted for exclusion and an opportunity for a hearing before regulators make a final determination. Decisions would be subject to judicial review.
Part of broader responsible gambling push
The measure is one of several responsible gambling proposals moving through Trenton this year. Lawmakers advanced two more sports wagering bills last month.
Supporters say the bill would strengthen safeguards for problem gamblers by adding educational requirements before self-excluded individuals regain access to gambling and by providing families with another tool to intervene when gambling-related harm affects household finances.
A5210 has been introduced in the Assembly, while its Senate counterpart continues through the legislative process.
