New Jersey legislators propose rules for the wording of gambling ads
The bills would also define where gambling ads can be placed.
US.- New Jersey legislators are considering bills that would restrict where gambling ads can be placed and also define words they must include. The proposed legislation would ban gambling ads in or near schools and in any media that “predominantly” targets under 21s.
Bill A5562, which was introduced by aassemblyman Clinton Calabrese and assemblywoman Garnet Hall has passed the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee and will get a second reading in the full chamber. A senate companion bill, S4366, has been presented by senators John McKeon and Renee Burgess.
The bills call for the state Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to conduct a study into the effectiveness of “various words and phrases” in adverts for casino gaming and sports betting. This would look into whether certain phrases are more likely to cause gamblers to bet responsibly and whether repetition of the same phrases diminishes their effectiveness.
The study would also look at where phrases should be put in ads to different draw attention, whether font size and formatting has an effect and whether different messages would be more effective in reaching problem and vulnerable gamblers.
The regulator would then create a list of words and phrases that must be included in gambling ads, with the focus being on responsible gambling. This could see the DGE list three to 10 mandatory phrases to be used in casino gaming and sports betting ads “at a frequency that optimizes their effectiveness.”
The legislators say the bills seek to “deter illegal or irresponsible gambling, challenge perceptions of gambling and encourage the use of responsible gambling tools.” Another bill on gambling ads, Bill A5207, was presented in January but has not been advanced. It calls for a ban the all online ads related to sports betting.
