Play responsibly in New Jersey: limits, self-exclusion and help

How can you set limits at a New Jersey online casino?

Short answerIn the account settings of any licensed New Jersey casino. Deposit, spending and time limits are available everywhere, and a lower limit applies no later than your next log-in.

Decide on the numbers before the first deposit, while nothing is at stake. A deposit limit caps what can go into the account per day, week or month. A spending limit caps what can be bet. A time limit ends the session or sends a reminder after the period you set.

Under the state's internet gaming rules, a higher limit only applies once the current limit period has run out, so a decision made in the middle of a losing evening cannot take effect straight away. That delay is deliberate. If you notice that you want to raise a limit often, treat it as a signal and read the section on warning signs below.

A cool-off pauses the account for a short time without closing it. It is useful after a bad session, before a payday or during a busy stretch at work.

How does self-exclusion work in New Jersey?

Short answerThe state keeps a statewide internet self-exclusion list run by the Division of Gaming Enforcement. Once you are on it, every licensed online casino in New Jersey has to refuse you for the period you chose, under the state's online casino rules.

Self-exclusion is a stronger step than a limit or a cool-off. It is not tied to one brand: it covers every licensed online casino in the state, so opening an account somewhere else does not get around it. Enrolment runs through the Division of Gaming Enforcement, and the period is chosen when you sign up.

The casino floor has its own route. The Division of Gaming Enforcement's New Jersey Casino Gambling Self-Exclusion Program also covers the Atlantic City casinos and their sports wagering facilities, with minimum periods of one year, five years or lifetime when you enroll in person or by video conference.

Before enrolling, withdraw any balance you want to keep and note which accounts you hold. During the exclusion, the casinos should not let you log in to play. If one does, report it to the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Self-exclusion works best together with support. Tell someone you trust, and consider a call to the helpline: the counsellors there know the process and can explain the options before you decide.

How do you know when gambling is becoming a problem?

Short answerWhen it stops being a pastime with a budget. Chasing losses, playing longer than planned and hiding play from others are common signs.

Ask yourself honestly whether any of these sound familiar:

• You play again to win back what you lost.
• Sessions run longer than planned, or later into the night.
• You spend money meant for rent, bills or groceries.
• You borrow, or sell things, to keep playing.
• You keep your play hidden from family or friends.
• You feel restless or irritable when you try to stop.

Where can you get help in New Jersey?

Short answerCall 1-800-GAMBLER. The line is free, confidential, by phone, chat and text, around the clock. You do not have to be sure you have a problem before you call.

These organizations offer help for players and for the people around them:

• 1-800-GAMBLER

  The New Jersey helpline of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. Free and confidential, by phone, chat and text, at any hour.

  1-800-GAMBLER800gambler.org

• Problem Gambling Help in New Jersey

  The National Council on Problem Gambling's page for New Jersey, with help and treatment options in the state.

  ncpgambling.org, New Jersey

• National Council on Problem Gambling

  The national organization for problem gambling, with information for players, families and professionals.

  ncpgambling.org

How do you stop casino advertising and marketing messages?

Short answerThis site sets no advertising cookies and sends no messages, so there is nothing to opt out of here. At a casino, use the marketing preferences in your account or the unsubscribe link in any message.

This site has no sign-up form and keeps no mailing list, so it sends no e-mails, texts or calls. The advertising you may see here is the casino offers on the pages themselves. It sets no cookies for advertising or measurement, so there is nothing to refuse on this site; casino marketing is switched off in your casino account.

Casinos send their own offers to account holders. Casino accounts usually have marketing preferences for e-mail, text and app messages, and marketing e-mails carry an unsubscribe link. If promotions pull you back to play, switch them off first and set limits second.

If offers keep arriving after you have opted out, contact the casino's customer service in writing and keep a copy of the request.

What can you do if someone close to you gambles too much?

Short answerTalk to them at a calm moment, protect your own finances, and call 1-800-GAMBLER yourself: the helpline supports family and friends as well.

Pick a quiet time, not the evening after a big loss. Describe what you have noticed, and leave labels out of it. Think carefully before paying off gambling debts for them, and talk it through with the helpline first. Separate shared accounts if money is at risk.

Look after yourself too. Living next to a gambling problem is stressful, and help for family members is part of what the organizations above offer.

Quick answers about responsible gambling in New Jersey

Short answerIn short: the helpline is free, self-exclusion covers every licensed site, marketing can be switched off, and you can call before you are sure.

Where does the information on this page come from?

Short answerFrom the New Jersey regulator and the state's help organizations.

• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• 1-800-GAMBLER
• Problem Gambling Help in New Jersey