SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2362

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 21, 2026

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2362.

This bill requires the New Jersey Racing Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement to issue regulations to require that individuals seeking removal from the list of self-excluded persons review educational and counseling videos concerning the risks associated with gambling, coping strategies, resources available for continued support, and any other information or content as may be appropriate, as determined by the commission or division, prior to removal from the self-exclusion list.

     The bill also permits third parties to request that another person be added to a list of persons who are to be excluded or ejected from any licensed gambling establishment by providing documentation to the commission or the division, as applicable, which demonstrates, at a minimum, the following:

     (1) proof of the third party’s sole or joint financial responsibility for funds that may be used or deposited for gambling purposes;

     (2) proof that the third party is jointly obligated on the persons credit or debit card;

     (3) proof of legal dependency of the person on the third party;

     (4) evidence of a court order making the third party responsible for the person’s debts; or

     (5) evidence of a court order requiring the person to pay unmet child support obligations.

     The division or commission may request such additional verification documentation as may be necessary to confirm the relationship between the third party and the person to be excluded.

     Under the bill, when a third party seeks to have a person added to the exclusion list, there must be a process in which notice to the person being sought to be excluded, as well as an opportunity for that person to appear before a hearing on the matter, must be provided.  If, upon completion of a hearing on the petition for exclusion, it is determined that placement of the name of the person on the exclusion list is appropriate, an order to that effect must be made, which will be served on all licensed casino establishments and simulcasting facilities or racetracks and licensed off-track wagering facilities and will be subject to review by the Superior Court.

     The bill also requires the division and commission to promulgate regulations to establish procedures for removal from the list of excluded persons, which must:

     (1) include a requirement that those seeking removal from the list of excluded persons review educational and counseling videos concerning the risks associated with gambling, coping strategies, resources available for continued support, and any other information or content as may be appropriate, as determined by the division, prior to removal;

     (2) establish procedures for the transmittal of identifying information concerning excluded persons; and

     (3) require the establishment of procedures designed, at a minimum, to remove excluded persons from targeted mailings or other forms of advertising or promotions and deny excluded persons access to credit, complimentaries, check cashing privileges club programs, and other similar benefits.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.