New Jersey Presents Multiple Responsible Gaming Bills, Tax Hike Proposal

New Jersey lawmakers have proposed several major changes to the state’s gambling protocols, including restricting casino-style apps that simulate gambling and adding several new projections.

The proposal to ban casino gaming simulation builds on the state's prohibition of dual-currency sweepstakes casinos implemented last August. Meanwhile, the new customer protections would include sending users recurring win/loss reports, holding operators liable for advertising their products to self-excluded gamblers, and adding educational videos for self-excluded gamblers.

The idea of raising gaming taxes for online casinos and sports betting platforms was also floated.

New Jersey’s responsible gaming efforts

New Jersey has one of the largest gaming markets in the United States. Legal sports betting, retail and online casinos, fantasy contests, and other forms all contributed to nearly $7 billion in gaming revenue in 2025, according to Statista.

With the huge and growing interest, state officials are looking to make amendments to their current framework.

Sen. John McKeon (D-Essex/Passaic) filed Senate Bill 4280 — which was referred to the Senate State Government, Wagerings, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee — last week. The bill would require licensed online casinos offering slot machines, table games, and other common attractions and sportsbooks to send account holders monthly push notifications detailing their spending and net winnings and losses since the previous statement.

The goal of the change would be to give gamblers, especially frequent users of online betting apps, more reminders of their profits and losses in an attempt to help them stave off unwanted financial scenarios. 

Notably, the bill doesn’t call for limits or interference from operators. It simply offsets the dopamine rush of placing a wager with responsible reminders of the broader financial picture.

The measure is already being discussed and has until the Senate adjourns on Dec. 31 to receive a decision.

Lots more proposals

The push notification proposal is only one of several. The bill to restrict casino-style gaming apps that aren’t actual online casinos aims to curb the development of gambling habits in unsuspecting individuals, particularly children.

Senate Bill 2356 would require the Division of Gaming Enforcement to study and eventually implement restrictions on specific language for certain advertisements and promotions by gambling companies.

Senate Bill 2362, meanwhile, would mandate self-excluded gamblers to watch educational videos and receive counseling before they could be removed from self-excluded lists. Third parties would also be allowed to exclude gamblers in appropriate circumstances.

All of these proposed changes build on a pair of companion bills that were previously introduced, one of which passed the Senate this month. These bills state that sportsbooks must provide written explanations for limits imposed on customer accounts.

As gambling continues to proliferate across the country, many states and operators have put an emphasis on responsible behavior. New Jersey’s market size makes it a breeding ground for possible problems, if not governed correctly. 

If the state’s recent activity, including the banning of sweepstakes casinos, is any indication, the bills will be given a thorough review before a decision is reached.

One final bill would significantly increase taxes paid by operators. As it stands, online casino and sports betting operators pay 19.75 percent state taxes and 2.5 percent community investment fees, both of which pale in comparison to neighboring states’ rates.