All you need to know about Responsible Gambling in NJ
New Jersey is committed to safe and responsible gambling in NJ, providing helpful guides and resources for new and existing players alike. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of both the player and the provider to detect and address problematic gambling at the earliest possible stage.
For players looking to gamble safe in NJ and have an enjoyable experience in general, here’s an overview of all you need to know about responsible gambling in NJ:
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling is a broad concept that applies to all activities, policies and procedures implemented to protect gamblers from harm. Online gambling has the potential to be an enjoyable pastime, but can also lead to poor decision making and irresponsible behavior.
Players and service providers alike are expected to take a proactive approach to responsible gambling. Should either party detect any of the signs or symptoms of a gambling problem, immediate action should be taken to prevent the issue from escalating further.
How to Detect Addiction
Safe and responsible online gambling in NJ begins with acknowledging the potential signs and symptoms of addiction. As there are often no obvious ‘physical’ symptoms, a gambling problem is often considered a “hidden illness” that can be hard to detect.
Nevertheless, the most common signs and symptoms of a gambling problem include the following:
- Gambling with more and more money to achieve the same satisfaction
- A compulsion to gamble when you cannot afford to do so
- Spending and losing excessive amounts of money on a regular basis
- Irritability or restlessness when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to reduce or cut out gambling activities entirely
- Indications of concern from friends or family members
- Borrowing money from other people to spend on gambling activities
- Using gambling as an escape from issues and unhappiness elsewhere
- Lying about your gambling activities to others
- Relationships suffering as a direct result of your gambling habits
- Preoccupation and the inability to focus on anything else
All cases of gambling addiction are different and may present unique signs and symptoms not listed here. In all instances, any concerns you have regarding a potential gambling problem (concerning you or anyone else) should be addressed at the earliest possible stage.
When and How to Seek Help
The key to safe and responsible gambling in New Jersey lies in knowing when to walk away. However, making the decision to seek help can be more challenging.
According to experts in addiction, the right time to seek advice is the first moment you suspect there may be a problem. Questions and concerns should be raised at the earliest possible stage, rather than waiting for things to escalate.
There are several 24/7 helplines available, which provide free and non-judgmental advice for individuals with concerns regarding gambling. Examples of which include:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline – 1-800-522-4700
- Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey – 609-588-5515
Self-help resources and forums are also available, which can be great for finding answers to important questions on gambling addiction:
- Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/)
- Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org)
- GamTalk (www.gamtalk.org)
There’s a saying that goes a little like this:
When the fun stops, STOP!
Gambling is supposed to be an enjoyable pastime. When it becomes anything else, it’s time to walk away and rethink your activities.
Responsible Gambling in NJ – Provider Responsibilities
Every gambler plays a role in their safety and wellbeing online. But it’s also the responsibility of the service provider to offer a safe and responsible gaming experience.
There are seven primary areas of responsible gaming from the perspective of the provider, which are as follows:
- Protection of Vulnerable Gamblers. Anyone who demonstrates a tendency to gamble irresponsibly or make ill-informed decisions should be excluded immediately.
- Prevention of Underage Gambling. It is illegal to take part in gambling activities in New Jersey for anyone under the age of 21, which should be strictly enforced at all times.
- Crime and Fraud Prevention. Particularly where data hijacking and identity theft are concerned, online betting sites must actively protect players from a variety of threats.
- Privacy and Anonymity. All of your gambling activities should be kept comprehensively private at all times and without exception.
- Online Payment Protection. All transactions (deposits and withdrawals) should be sufficiently safeguarded to ensure players’ financial data is kept safely out of harm’s way
- Responsible and Ethical Marketing. Promotional and marketing materials concerning betting activities must not target vulnerable or underage individuals.
- Complaints Procedures. Every customer should have the right to lodge formal complaints and be assured that their concerns will be appropriately investigated and addressed.
When players and service providers alike do their part, gambling responsibly in NJ becomes much easier for all involved.
