New Jersey governor introduces RG Task Force

New Jersey is joining a host of other states attempting to uproot problem gambling and address the issue head-on. Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 360, essentially establishing the Garden State’s dedicated Responsible Gambling Task Force.

New Jersey doubles down on making gambling safer for residents

In a press release, the governor spoke about the need to push through with this move, basing it on empiric evidence and a worrying trend, as indicated by a Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies paper.

According to researchers, at least 6% of New Jersey residents are at a high risk of problem gambling, which mandates tighter measures. Other states have already been working on their own initiatives, including Ohio, which launched a state-wide exclusion tool with a private company, Gamban, to strengthen these efforts.

"New Jersey is known to be a gaming destination with historic locations like Atlantic City, amusement gaming at the Jersey Shore, notable horse racing venues, and more," Gov. Murphy said in a statement.

He added that the Task Force would make it so that the state maintains its global leadership in gaming by also having the means and tools to address problem gambling.

New Jersey wants to act swiftly, as the number of potential problem gamblers far exceeds the national average, which usually hovers around 1% or 2%. Part of this problem may have to do with the fact that the Garden State was amongst the first to launch interactive gambling, tapping untested waters.

Problem gambling is a serious issue in the Garden State

Yet, New Jersey is now more than willing to make amends through the Responsible Gaming Task Force which will methodically seek to address the issue and ensure that the population is informed, protected, and aware of the issues that arise from gambling.

The Task Force will have seven members from various governmental and legal backgrounds. Here is what the RGTF looks like right now:

• The Attorney General who will serve as Chair
• The Chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission
• The Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• The Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
• The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services
• The Director of the Division of State Lottery
• The Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission

Image credit: Flickr (@Phil Murphy)