This bill amends current law to allow civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities, as well as their employees, for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward individuals who have voluntarily self-excluded from gaming activities. Specifically, it introduces new legal language stating that licensed casinos and simulcast facilities can be held liable for any harm caused by their actions or omissions that demonstrate reckless indifference or intentional misconduct towards self-excluded persons. This change contrasts with existing law, which protects these entities from liability in cases where they fail to enforce self-exclusion measures.

Under the current framework, casinos and simulcast facilities are not liable for any harm resulting from their failure to withhold or restore gaming privileges to self-excluded individuals, or for allowing these individuals to engage in gaming activities. The bill aims to enhance protections for those who have opted into the New Jersey Casino Self-Exclusion Program, which was established to help individuals with gambling problems by allowing them to voluntarily exclude themselves from gaming in all Atlantic City casinos and, more recently, from Internet gaming activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:12-71.2