New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced in a press release that he signed Executive Order No. 360 to create a Responsible Gaming Task Force for the state.

“New Jersey is known to be a gaming destination with historic locations like Atlantic City, amusement gaming at the Jersey Shore, notable horse racing venues and more. This task force will see to it that we maintain our global leadership in gaming by ensuring that we have the tools needed to address problem gaming for our residents,” Murphy said.

Murphy will commission the force to review multiple areas of problem gambling, including the effect on vulnerable communities in the state. While a conclusive report is expected by March 31, the committee will be expected to report periodically throughout its operations.

A 2023 report from the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies, which the governor’s press release cited, found that 6 percent of New Jersey residents are exposed to a high risk of problem gambling, compared to the national average ranges between 1 and 2 percent. The report also noted that the highest rates of problem gambling affected Black or Hispanic residents.

Led by Attorney General Matt Platkin, who will serve as chairman, the Responsible Gaming Task Force will consist of seven public officials, including the chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, director of the Division of State Lottery, executive director of the New Jersey Racing Commission and the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services

“This task force demonstrates that ‘responsible gaming’ is not merely a buzzword in New Jersey, but a critical issue that demands the attention of government entities, industry, and stakeholders,” Platkin said. “As chair of the task force, I’m eager to get underway in examining ways to help bring attention to and support the prevention and treatment of gambling disorder.”

The establishment of the task force comes on the back of New Jersey gambling revenue increasing 8.3 percent year-on-year in May.

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