New Jersey’s Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee voted 7-0 on 16 September to recommend banning gambling adverts targeted at people showing signs of problem gambling or addiction. Assembly Resolution 150 would cover personalised VIP marketing, but cannot change legislation because it is not a statute.
The recommendation could constrain targeted VIP marketing if lawmakers enact a statutory ban.
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New Jersey’s Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee unanimously approved AR 150, urging restrictions on gambling advertisements aimed at people showing signs of problem gambling or addiction. The committee also approved a measure requiring educational and counselling videos before removal from self-exclusion lists; the New Jersey Racing Commission and Division of Gaming Enforcement would set programme rules. The Sports Betting Alliance opposed the bill but did not testify.
Reportedly, FanDuel responded on 14 August to US lawmakers' questions about its VIP programme and responsible gambling practices. Its five-page response addressed three of the eight questions, ahead of the 24 August deadline.
US representative Paul Tonko renewed his call for the SAFE Bet Act after FanDuel responded to congressional questions about its VIP programme and responsible gambling practices. The company’s senior vice-president of public policy and sustainability, Cory Fox, did not answer five of the eight questions, according to the report; the proposed bill would introduce state oversight and restrictions on sports betting advertising and eligibility.
FanDuel and DraftKings have asked a Philadelphia court to dismiss a lawsuit alleging they encouraged a Pennsylvania customer to keep gambling through personalised incentives and other offers. Both companies argue that their promotions comply with regulations and that they had no legal duty to intervene; FanDuel has separately asked for arbitration, and the court has not ruled on the motions.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering measures to reduce gambling-related harm, according to a report citing a Joint State Government Commission study. Options discussed include banning in-game microbets and VIP programmes, setting betting limits and restricting promotional offers; the Sports Betting Alliance president argued that safeguards are necessary for the industry to thrive.