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 harm caused by their failure to withhold or restore gaming privileges to self-excluded persons, or for allowing these individuals to engage in gaming activities while on the self-exclusion list, if such actions are deemed to be reckless or intentional misconduct.

Under the existing law, casinos and simulcast facilities are not liable for any harm resulting from their failure to enforce self-exclusion measures. The bill aims to enhance protections for individuals participating in the New Jersey Casino Self-Exclusion Program, which was established to help those with gambling problems by allowing them to voluntarily exclude themselves from gaming in all Atlantic City casinos and, more recently, from Internet gaming activities. The proposed changes are intended to ensure that self-excluded individuals are treated with greater care and accountability by gaming establishments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:12-71.2