New Jersey has formalised a set of responsible gambling requirements for online casino and sports betting operators, making the state the first in the US to introduce these measures as mandatory regulations. Announced on 22 October 2026 by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), the rules require operators to identify potentially harmful gambling behaviour and intervene when customers show signs of risk.
The regulations establish enforceable standards for player monitoring, risk assessments and targeted support, replacing a previous framework based on responsible gambling best practices that lacked uniform, legally enforceable intervention requirements.
Operators Must Identify At-Risk Players and Intervene
Under the new rules, every licensed operator must appoint a dedicated responsible gaming lead to oversee its responsible gambling measures.
Operators must also apply mandatory play thresholds and behavioural triggers to identify customers who may need assistance. When a player meets the relevant criteria, the operator must conduct a due diligence review to assess whether there are signs of potential problem gambling.
If the assessment identifies a risk, the customer must be added to the operator’s list of at-risk patrons and receive interventions across three phases, based on the operator’s assessment of their individual needs.
The DGE said the framework is designed to ensure that potential gambling-related harm is identified early and that customers receive timely and consistent support.
Governor Mikie Sherrill said the measures reflect New Jersey’s efforts to improve online safety, while Attorney General Davenport stressed that operators must remain accountable and make assistance available to people experiencing gambling-related problems.
State Responds to Concerns Over Targeted Marketing
The state also highlighted concerns about reports that some gambling operators have used aggressive marketing or promotional tactics to target customers displaying signs of a gambling disorder.
New Jersey said the new regulations are part of its response to these concerns and warned that operators must comply with state law as the industry and its technology continue to evolve.
The DGE added that it would continue to consider further regulatory changes as new risks emerge, reinforcing the state’s focus on player protection and early intervention.
New Jersey Takes Kalshi Dispute to the Supreme Court
Alongside the responsible gambling announcement, state officials confirmed that New Jersey is asking the US Supreme Court to hear its case against prediction market operator Kalshi.
The state argues that prediction markets should be subject to state gambling laws. According to the announcement, New Jersey’s position has received support through amicus briefs from a bipartisan coalition of 39 states and the District of Columbia, 146 Indian tribes and tribal organisations, the NFL and major industry organisations.
The dispute adds another dimension to New Jersey’s wider regulatory efforts, as authorities seek to define how emerging prediction market products should be treated under existing gambling frameworks.
RecoverMe App Offers Free Gambling Support
The DGE and Attorney General Davenport also announced the availability of RecoverMe, a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) app offered free of charge to New Jersey residents and gambling customers seeking help managing their activity.
Developed by physicians, the app uses recognised therapeutic approaches, including CBT and mindfulness. Its features include gambling behaviour assessments, evidence-based self-guided sessions and tools to track gambling habits and manage impulses.
The service also provides access to New Jersey-specific resources for people experiencing a crisis and requiring urgent support.
RecoverMe becomes the second free support service offered by the DGE, following the introduction of GamFin in 2025. That service provides confidential financial counselling to help individuals and families address gambling-related financial harm.
With the new regulations, New Jersey is moving responsible gambling requirements from voluntary best practices to a mandatory regulatory framework, placing clearer obligations on operators to detect risk and respond with appropriate support.
Source: New Jersey Attorney General / Division of Gaming Enforcement