Compliance Updates
NJ Regulator Announces New Multi-Faceted Efforts to Curb Problem Gambling
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) Director David Rebuck announced several new initiatives to bolster the office’s existing responsible gaming efforts: establishing a new position dedicated to responsible gaming, setting new advertising standards for operators, and simplifying access to self-exclusion for players struggling with a gambling disorder.
Attorney General Platkin made the announcement as he delivered the keynote speech before regulators and industry representatives at the East Coast Gaming Congress held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
These latest efforts build on DGE’s groundbreaking Responsible Gaming Initiative announced in early February, which utilizes data on players’ gaming activity to determine if they might be suffering from a gambling disorder and offers them help.
“As New Jersey’s gaming and sports wagering industries continue to grow and mature, so do our obligations to assist patrons who are at risk for problem gambling,” said Attorney General Platkin. “By establishing a dedicated, senior level position within the Division of Gaming Enforcement to focus on responsible gaming, we are sending a clear message that we take this work seriously – and so should the industry. Our other initiatives announced today will help protect consumers and make it easier for individuals to access the help they need when their gaming behavior becomes problematic.”
“We have seen tremendous growth in sports wagering and online gaming in New Jersey,” said DGE Director David Rebuck. “In the face of that boom, we have a duty to protect the public from advertising that could be misleading or harmful. And for those in the grip of gambling addiction, we need to offer as many exit ramps from their condition as possible.”
DGE will establish a new position, the Responsible Gaming Coordinator, who will handle all issues impacting responsible gaming and ensure progress on existing initiatives. The Coordinator, which is to be filled by an experienced attorney, will report directly to the DGE Director and identify gaps and problems before engaging with stakeholders to develop recommendations to advance the state’s responsible gaming work.
The announcement comes as online and sports gambling continue to gain popularity in New Jersey. DGE’s March 2023 gaming revenue results showed that for that month, online gaming win reported by casinos and their partners was $165.7 million, a rise of 17.8 percent compared to $140.7 million for March 2022. Sports wagering gross revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $93 million for March 2023, a 40.1 percent increase compared to last March.
In addition, the initiatives announced today include new online and sports gambling advertising standards, which make it clear that operators must make responsible gaming a priority through the following:
- displaying prominently New Jersey’s 1-800-GAMBLER hotline in their ads;
- ending dubious promises of “guaranteed wins” or “risk-free” bets if the patron will not be fully compensated for the loss of their funds;
- making wagering requirements clear in their terms and conditions;
- limiting advertising in locations where it would entice those under 21 years of age to play; and
- providing the public with the ability to swiftly opt out of direct advertising.
The full list of 15 advertising best practices can be found here.
DGE will also be making it easier for players with problem gaming behaviors to exclude themselves from gaming.
New Jersey’s existing voluntary self-exclusion program allows players to voluntarily prohibit themselves from accessing casinos’ gaming floors through in person appointments with specially trained DGE staff, or from online gaming through DGE’s online application.
Now DGE will be taking it further. Today, Attorney General Platkin announced that DGE will create a video-conference option to make it easier for players to escape from problem gambling without having to leave their homes.
Also, ahead of the busy summer season, DGE will establish a 24/7 hotline dedicated to assisting people with questions about the self-exclusion program and the process for signing up.
“The increase of online gambling opportunities, access and the amount of advertising has put many more people in New Jersey at risk for problem gambling. These measures will help enforce and expand responsible gaming, and will be bolstered with the establishment of a Responsible Gaming Coordinator,” said Felicia Grondin, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. “The standards outlined today reflect the Attorney General and DGE’s resolve to promote responsible play and make help available to those faced with a gambling addiction. We are grateful for the State of New Jersey’s efforts to focus on problem gambling and promote responsible gambling practices; they are needed now more than ever.”
“We congratulate Attorney General Platkin and DGE Director David Rebuck for their continued leadership in responsible gambling. The initiatives announced today further bolster responsible gambling protections and reduce barriers for people seeking help,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. “We hope regulators across the country will emulate New Jersey, including by working with the National Council on Problem Gambling and our state affiliate chapters, such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.”
Today’s announcements follow the introduction, at the beginning of this year, of DGE’s Responsible Gaming Initiative to monitor player behavior for red flags indicative of a gambling disorder. Player data already captured by operators began being used to uncover potential problem gambling patterns, such as an individual’s gambling time increasing from week to week or a player wagering until they have less than one dollar in their accounts.
Gamblers exhibiting warning signs are now approached using various circumstance-dependent interventions, including progressive responses if the indications of a potential disorder keep recurring after attempts are made to assist. At level one, a patron receives automated outreach regarding responsible gaming resources. If the warning signals continue, the patron is shown a video tutorial explaining responsible gaming and available resources before being allowed to continue gambling. At the third level, the operator’s responsible gaming lead or team will directly contact and address the issue with the patron.
The award-winning crash game Aviatrix has received certification for Brazil’s online gaming market, ensuring full compliance in the market.
Aviatrix has been granted full Federal Certification to offer its games via licensed operators in the country. Meanwhile, Aviatrix has also acquired a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.
This means Brazilian players can now enjoy the most innovative crash game on the market – one that has already gained a loyal following across Latin America.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This is a huge milestone for Aviatrix. Brazil is one of the most exciting, newly-regulated markets in the world. There is massive demand for high-quality content, and that’s why we know Aviatrix is going to thrive. We’re looking forward to bringing the game to the country via some world-class partners. Get ready for takeoff.”
Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Latin America over recent months, including in Peru and Colombia.
The company was also named ‘Rising Star in Casino’ at last year’s SBC Awards Latinoamérica.
Leading sportsbook technology provider ready to deliver premium virtual sports offering to local operators
Altenar has achieved a significant milestone in its LatAm expansion by securing a new certification to offer sportsbook and RGS, including virtual sports in Brazil.
This development underscores Altenar’s commitment to providing cutting-edge and engaging sportsbook solutions in regulated markets, and follows a string of landmark deals with industry leaders, such as Inspired, Kiron, Leap and Sportradar.
To achieve the certification, Altenar underwent a thorough evaluation process, demonstrating the provider’s dedication to compliance and its ability to meet the stringent requirements of the Brazilian market.
The integration of virtual sports from renowned providers will further enhance Altenar’s comprehensive platform, offering a dynamic and exciting vertical for Brazilian players that can be enjoyed 24/7.
Dinos Doxiadis, Director of Product – Sportsbook and Data at Altenar, said: “We are thrilled to achieve certification for virtual sports in Brazil. This marks another significant step in our growth across Latin America and reinforces our commitment to the burgeoning region.
“By joining forces with some of the industry’s most renowned providers, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled virtual sports experience to operators and players in Brazil. This offering will complement our existing sportsbook solutions and provide further opportunities for engagement and growth in this key market.”
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has taken decisive enforcement action this week against multiple unlicensed and unregulated gambling operators—both domestic and international—that have been unlawfully targeting Arizona residents. As part of its ongoing efforts to protect the public and uphold Arizona gaming laws, the Department has issued several cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed entities offering unlawful wagering activities.
The named operators are allegedly providing access to various illegal online gaming services, including slot-style casino games, “sweepstakes” platforms, sports wagering, horse race betting, and peer-to-peer wagering exchanges. These operations are not licensed by the State and fail to meet Arizona’s strict regulatory requirements, thereby posing significant consumer protection and financial risks to Arizonans.
The following unlicensed operators have been issued cease-and-desist orders:
- Sweepstakes:
- ARB Gaming, LLC d/b/a Modo.us
- MODO.us (online casino) / BITMODO LLC
- Modo
- Epic Hunts
- Event Wagering Sportsbook:
- Generiz
- Peer-to-Peer Exchange:
- ProphetX
- Offers Multiple Types:
- MyBookie
- BetUS.com
The active operations of these companies and online websites in Arizona are alleged to be felony criminal enterprises, and each operator has been directed to desist from any future illegal gambling operations or activities of any type in Arizona. Due to the unregulated and illegal online gaming offerings on these sites, operators are claimed to be in violation of Arizona gaming laws, including:
- Promotion of Gambling (Felony) — A.R.S. § 13-3303.
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise (Felony) — A.R.S. § 13-2312.
- Money Laundering (Felony) — A.R.S. § 13-2317.
Each aforementioned operator has been directed to immediately cease all online (or other) gambling operations and activities in Arizona, and take the necessary steps to immediately prevent and exclude Arizona residents and visitors from gambling on their websites.
“Illegal gaming—no matter the platform or format—has no place in Arizona. Whether it’s sweepstakes, online casino-style games, or unauthorized sports betting, if an operation exists outside of the state’s legal and regulatory framework, we are prepared to take enforcement action,” stated Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “Illegal gambling is not just unlawful—it’s stealing from our economy and undermining the safeguards that protect consumers. The Department fully supports the licensed and regulated operators who are doing things the right way—operating within the bounds of the law, contributing to Arizona’s economy, and providing the protections that only a regulated market can ensure.”
Consumer Protection Advisory:
As illegal online gaming activity continues to rise, the ADG urges all residents and visitors to be cautious when participating in gaming—whether online or in person. Regulated gaming offers important consumer protections—helping ensure fair play, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience.
Many online platforms currently accessible in Arizona are neither licensed nor regulated, exposing users to significant risks, including fraud, identity theft, and financial loss. Because these operations fall outside the state’s regulatory authority, ADG cannot assist with complaints or disputes involving unregulated or illegal gaming activities—often leaving victims with no recourse for recovering lost funds. It is important to remember: just because you can download the app, access the website, and play the games does not mean the platform is legal or safe.
Individuals are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of any gaming platform before placing bets or engaging in gameplay. To protect yourself, always use legally authorized and state-regulated operators. A complete list of authorized casinos, event wagering operators, fantasy sports operators, and off-track betting for horse racing is available on ADG’s official website: gaming.az.gov.
How to Report Suspicious Gaming Activity, Fraud, or Identity Theft:
If you encounter what appears to be an illegal gaming website, app, or an operation impersonating an authorized Arizona casino or licensed operator, take the following steps:
- Document the website URL, app, business name, and any promotional materials associated with the platform or operator.
- Report itto ADG at [email protected] and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or by visiting azag.gov/consumer.
- Cease activity on the platform and monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
- If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”): for help in English, go to IdentityTheft.gov, and for help in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov.
ADG takes complaints about all illegal gambling seriously. To report any form of suspected illegal gambling, visit gaming.az.gov/about/contact-us, call ADG at (602) 255-3886, or email [email protected]. Reports can be made anonymously.
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