New Jersey Assembly Committee Unanimously Endorses Resolution Targeting Predatory Ads to Known Problem Gamblers
New Jersey committee voted 7-0 for Assembly Resolution 150 to ban predatory ads and celebrity marketing aimed at known problem gamblers. The non-binding measure was triggered by a FanDuel VIP case involving Bryce Harper and losses over $1.5m on $18.5m in bets. It adds to stalled advertising bills but carries no direct legal change.
SCCG Take — This signals lawmakers will pursue enforceable limits on VIP marketing once risks are known. Operators must adjust retention practices now to avoid tighter statutory controls.
The New Jersey Assembly’s Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee voted 7-0 to advance Assembly Resolution 150, a recommendation that would ban gambling advertisements aimed at patrons known to be gambling addicts or showing signs of problem gambling.
The resolution, introduced by committee chair Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr., specifically covers personalised marketing campaigns for VIPs that feature athletes or celebrities. It declares that such “Predatory marketing, including the use of professional athletes or celebrities, which targets certain patrons who are known by sportsbooks and other gambling entities to be gambling addicts, or who have exhibited signs of problem gambling, and encourages them to continue gambling, is antithetical to the goals of responsible gaming and such practices should cease immediately.”
The action follows a FanDuel incident in which the operator sent a VIP customer a personalised video message from athlete Bryce Harper. The patron claims to have lost over $1.5m after placing bets totaling over $18.5m. Moen said: “It was explicitly made clear that this video was prepared to further entice gambling by this individual.”
Scope of the Proposed Advertising Restrictions
As reported by Focus Gaming News, the resolution would apply to sportsbooks and other gambling entities that knowingly direct marketing at at-risk individuals. It does not create new law on its own, as it is not a statute. New Jersey has reviewed separate advertising limits this year. In February, Senator Andrew Zwicker filed a bill to bar operators from sending push notifications or texts after an app is closed. That proposal has not advanced.
Limits of Non-Binding Legislative Signals
The resolution’s lack of statutory force means immediate enforcement is unavailable. Yet it places formal legislative weight behind ending targeted inducements once problem gambling is identified. Operators facing similar VIP retention tactics now have a clear statement of regulatory direction in the state. Future bills may convert this intent into binding rules, particularly if additional high-value customer incidents surface. New Jersey’s mature gaming market leaves little room for prolonged inaction on practices that conflict with stated responsible-gaming policy.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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