New Jersey Advances Resolution Targeting Gambling Advertising Aimed at Vulnerable Gamblers
Lawmakers in New Jersey are moving to ban gambling advertising aimed at individuals displaying signs of problem gambling or addiction.
The Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee in New Jersey unanimously approved Resolution 150 in a 7-0 vote, which was introduced by Rep. William Moen.
The resolution urges gambling operators to stop targeting vulnerable customers through personalized marketing, including campaigns featuring professional athletes and celebrities.
The resolution references the 2024 FanDuel incident involving the Philadelphia Phillies player Bryce Harper. A personalized video featuring Harper was sent to a former FanDuel VIP customer who reportedly struggled with gambling addiction.
A lawsuit later releveled that the customer had wagered over $18.5 million and lost upwards of $1.5 million at FanDuel.
Harper said he was unaware that the video would be used to target an individual who struggled with gambling-related issues.
The resolution also urges the MLB, MLBPA, and other professional sports leagues to “reject participation in such targeted VIP marketing programs when directed to vulnerable patrons”. The MLBPA said that it is prepared to support restrictions that prevent players from taking part in personalized marketing campaigns tied to VIP programs.
