New Jersey bill makes player self-exclusion easier

A bill making it easier for gamblers to self-exclude themselves from New Jersey online and land gambling venues by removing the necessity for them to admit to having a problem was passed by the state Assembly Thursday on a 77 to 0 vote.

“This is simply another option for those who want to exclude themselves from New Jersey’s gaming facilities, but don’t want to concede a problem on an official document they fear may come back to haunt them down the road,” said Assemblyman Troy Singleton.

“Gambling addiction is a disease, and if this can help some people overcome their problem, it’s a step in the right direction.”

Donald Weinbaum, head of the state’s Council on Compulsive Gambling, said that the change would take away some of the stigma of signing up for the list.

New Jersey lets punters choose whether to be banned for one year, five years or life. There are 1,575 names on the two lists, one for casino gambling and the other for Internet gambling. Names on the list are not made public.

Gamblers who wish to voluntarily exclude themselves are required to make such application personally at the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement offices in Atlantic City or Trenton, or at the offices of the New Jersey Racing Commission in Trenton or at the state’s horse racing tracks.

The bill now goes to the state Senate.

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