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Bill

S 2362

Requires those on self-exclusion lists to watch educational and counseling videos prior to removal from self-exclusion lists; permits third party requests for individuals to be excluded from gambling under certain circumstances.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by John McKeon and 2 co-sponsors

Requires educational/counseling before removing someone from self-exclusion and allows third parties to petition for broader gambling exclusions with due process.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2362

Overview

S.2362 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature) proposes two main changes to gambling exclusion regimes:
- Require educational and counseling videos for individuals before removal from self-exclusion lists.
- Allow third parties to petition for adding individuals to gambling exclusion lists under specified circumstances.

The bill affects state gaming regulators (the New Jersey Racing Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement) and gambling venues or platforms (casinos, racetracks, off-track facilities, and licensed wagering systems).

Purpose and Intent

  • Strengthen requirements surrounding self-exclusion by ensuring individuals receive education and counseling before they can be removed from exclusion lists.
  • Provide a mechanism for third parties (with verifiable interests or obligations) to seek exclusion of others from all gambling activities and venues, subject to a hearing and due process.

Key Provisions

1) Self-Exclusion Removal – Educational/Counseling Requirement

  • Prior to removing a person from a self-exclusion list for casinos, simulcasting facilities, racetracks, or wagering systems, the appropriate agency must ensure the individual reviews educational and counseling videos about:
    • Gambling risks
    • Coping strategies
    • Available support/resources
    • Other relevant content as determined by the agency
  • Rules must also address:
    • Transmittal of identifying information to casinos and wagering entities
    • Procedures to remove excluded individuals from targeted mailings and promotions
    • Denial of credit, complimentary items, check-cashing, club programs, and similar benefits while on the exclusion list
  • Confidentiality of self-exclusion lists is preserved; access by the public remains restricted.
  • Administrative rules: The commissions/usages must adopt regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.

2) Third-Party Exclusion Petitions (New Section)

  • A third party may petition to add an individual to the exclusion list for all gaming activities and eject the person from licensed venues.
  • Required evidence/verification from the third party (at minimum):
    • Proof of sole or joint financial responsibility for gambling funds
    • Proof of joint responsibility on the person’s credit/debit card
    • Evidence of legal dependency of the person on the third party
    • Court orders related to the person’s debts or unmet child support obligations
  • The agency may request additional documentation to verify the relationship.
  • Process and protections:
    • The targeted person must be given notice and a hearing opportunity.
    • The third party bears the affirmative burden to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the person meets exclusion criteria.
    • If a hearing is not demanded within 30 days, the petition can be deemed admitted for administrative purposes, but the right to judicial review remains.
    • Preliminary placement on the list may occur pending hearing; a hearing must occur within 30 days after notice or placement.
    • If the hearing finds exclusion appropriate, an order is issued and served on all affected venues, with potential for regulatory and Superior Court review.

3) Similar Provisions for Casinos/Simulcasting (New Section)

  • A parallel framework applies to exclusions from all gaming activities at casinos and simulcasting facilities:
    • Third-party petitions with specified verification requirements
    • Period of exclusion restricting winnings and losses
    • Civil-immunity and confidentiality protections for the division and licensees
    • Notice and hearing rights for the person named for exclusion
    • Regulatory procedures mirroring the self-exclusion process for removals and placements

Affected Entities and Individuals

  • State regulators: New Jersey Racing Commission and Division of Gaming Enforcement
  • Gaming venues and platforms: Licensed casinos, racetracks, simulcasting facilities, off-track wagering facilities, and associated wagering systems (account, exchange, and fixed odds)
  • Individuals on self-exclusion lists
  • Potential third-party petitioners (with documented financial or dependents relationships to the person)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Immediate effect: Act states it takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Regulatory timeline: Regulators must adopt implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to operationalize removal criteria, third-party petitions, and related procedures.
  • Hearings: Petitions for third-party exclusion and for removal from exclusion lists include formal hearing processes, with specified timeframes (generally 30 days to demand a hearing; preliminary placements possible pending hearing).

Potential Impacts

  • Enhanced consumer protection: Ensures individuals on self-exclusion receive targeted education and support before re-entering gambling activity.
  • Increased use of third-party exclusions: Could lead to more third parties (family members, guardians, or others with legal or financial responsibility) seeking to exclude individuals.
  • Operational changes for venues: Requires systems to suppress targeted promotions and adjust credit/benefits eligibility for excluded individuals.
  • Privacy considerations: Maintains confidentiality of exclusion lists while enabling regulated disclosures to affiliated entities for program administration.

Note: The bill is in the pre-filing stage for the 2026 session, with sponsors including Senator John F. McKeon and co-sponsors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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