The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is considering new regulatory requirements that would mandate gambling operators to disclose activities in other jurisdictions, broadening the scope of its oversight.
The proposed changes, which were open for public comment until earlier this week, aim to enhance transparency by requiring licensees to report on regulated gaming activities outside New Jersey in addition to unregulated operations.
Under the proposal, licensees would have to notify the DGE within seven days of starting or ceasing gambling activities in other states or countries. Additionally, operators must disclose any subpoenas from authorities outside the state within a similar timeframe.
The new rules introduce the term "foreign gaming," which the DGE defines as: “The conduct of gaming outside of New Jersey in any country or political subdivision thereof and in any state or political subdivision of the United States, including tribal jurisdictions.”
“The rulemaking also clarifies that certain matters of note, such as the receipt of a criminal grand jury subpoena by a casino or racetrack sports wagering licensee, must be reported within a set time to DGE,” according to a document from New Jersey’s Law and Public Safety department.
During the public comment period, advocacy groups Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and Americans for Non-Smokers’ Rights (ANR) called for the DGE to adopt smoke-free policies as part of its licensing requirements for Atlantic City casinos.
“Ensuring that all casinos are smoke-free would ensure workers aren’t forced to choose between their livelihood and their health, and it would give patrons a chance to enjoy the Atlantic City experience without inhaling harmful toxins,” said Cynthia Hallett, President and CEO of ANR.
CEASE co-founders Nicole Vitola, Pete Naccarelli, and Lamont White echoed Hallett’s call for worker safety and healthier casino environments.
The DGE declined to comment to PlayNJ on whether it would consider such measures. The proposed rule changes currently focus on reporting requirements and do not include provisions related to smoking.
The DGE’s proposed updates also include technical revisions to reflect gaming expansion in New Jersey, such as sports betting at racetracks. By requiring licensees to report both domestic and international operations, the agency seeks to strengthen accountability and oversight.
While the public comment period brought attention to workplace safety issues, the DGE’s immediate focus remains on ensuring operators maintain compliance across jurisdictions.