New Jersey regulator warns online gambling operators

After receiving a large volume of complaints, the DGE released an advisory bulletin to online gambling operators over withdrawal requests.

US.- Regulators in New Jersey have issued a warning to online gambling operators regarding the processing time for withdrawals from online gaming accounts.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) released an advisory bulletin warning surrounding customer complaints they have received regarding operators taking up to two weeks to return withdrawal funds.

The DGE acknowledges that extended periods of time for withdrawal requests can be down to the need to investigate possible fraud, identity theft or money laundering.

But due to the volume of complaints, the regulator was forced to review existing regulations and industry practices regarding withdrawals to ensure player protection on their end.

Some of the complaints revolved around operators “encouraging or enticing them [customers] to reverse the withdrawal request and wager the funds” and in some cases customers were “offered bonus money to reverse a pending withdrawal request,” according to the DGE.

The regulator warns that regulatory action and civil penalties will be issued “whenever patrons are improperly encouraged or incentivized to rescind their withdrawal requests for the purpose of resuming gaming activity.”

Meanwhile, Connecticut Gov. Lamont said the state should work with neighbouring states and tribes to develop legal sports betting and igaming markets.