Casino Control Commission backs Problem Gambling Awareness Month, hears testimony on outreach and self‑exclusion

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission on March 11 adopted a resolution expressing support for Problem Gambling Awareness Month and commended the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and state enforcement efforts to expand treatment and prevention.

The resolution, presented by commission staff, affirms that problem gambling is a "significant public health issue" with social and economic costs and memorializes the commission's appreciation for programs such as the state’s self‑exclusion system and the 24‑hour helpline.

Luis Del Orbo, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, told the commission the council accepts the proclamation and urged continued public education and early intervention. "In New Jersey, we have over 520000 individuals who are directly suffering from problem gambling," he said, adding that more than "3000000" people are indirectly affected. He framed problem gambling as "preventable" and described a focus on prevention, early intervention and treatment.

Marc G. Antonio, president and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel and president of the New Jersey Casino Association, thanked the governor and commission and said the regulated industry invests in responsible‑gaming programs. "Our goal as an industry has always been to create safe and enjoyable gambling experiences while minimizing the risk of harm to individuals and the broader community," Antonio said, distinguishing licensed operators from illegal online providers.

Jamie McKelvey, Deputy Attorney General and the Division of Gaming Enforcement’s responsible gaming coordinator, described recent DGE initiatives including a nearly year‑long media campaign, technology‑driven operator interventions and expanded self‑exclusion access. McKelvey said online operators have triggered "nearly 150,000 responsible gaming interventions by New Jersey operators," and described new options such as video‑conference enrollment and a dedicated help line (toll‑free +1 833‑4884). He said the governor’s responsible gaming task force will issue recommendations later in March.

Commissioners asked where the DGE video would be posted; McKelvey said it would be shared on the Attorney General’s social media pages and the AG’s website.

The commission adopted the resolution by voice vote. The adoption was followed by testimony and brief questioning; commissioners emphasized continued collaboration among regulators, the industry and treatment providers as the state updates responsible‑gaming tools and regulations.