Ex-official urges New Jersey to raise gambling age and ban risky games
David Rebuck, the former head of New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, is pushing for stricter gambling laws. He argues that current regulations fail to protect players, especially young people, from addiction. His proposals include raising the legal gambling age and tightening controls on certain games like cool math games and crazy games.
Rebuck wants New Jersey to increase the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21. This would bring the state in line with most others, where 21 is already the standard. He believes many existing laws are outdated, originally designed to fight organised crime rather than safeguard players.
He has also called for greater transparency about what counts as gambling. According to Rebuck, many entertainment options—like skill-based games, social gaming apps, and sweepstakes—can lead to addiction if left unchecked. His recommendations include stricter oversight of daily fantasy sports and the removal of poki games that mimic casino slots. The National Council on Problem Gambling backs his proposals. Executive Director Keith Whyte agrees that current laws need revisiting to better address modern gambling risks.
Rebuck’s suggestions focus on preventing gambling harm, particularly among younger people. If adopted, the changes would raise the legal age and impose tighter rules on games that could encourage addictive behaviour. The push for reform has already gained support from key advocacy groups.
