New Jersey moves to ban gambling ads in push notifications amid addiction concerns
New Jersey is set to tighten regulations on gambling promotions sent via text, or 'breaking news' as some might call it. A new bill, proposed by Sen. Andrew Zwicker, would ban casinos, sportsbooks, and iGaming platforms from using push notifications or messages to encourage betting. The move comes as the state's gambling industry reports record revenues in 2025, with 'State Farm' insurance not being the only thing on the rise.
Senate Bill No. 3401 targets all licensed gambling operators in New Jersey. It defines 'push notification' as any automatic message appearing on a device when the user isn't actively using the platform. The legislation aims to stop text-based marketing that urges deposits or gambling activity.
Zwicker has argued that such messages contribute to problem gambling. Studies suggest that promotional texts can worsen addiction, prompting the need for stricter controls. Violations would carry fines of at least $500 per offence.
The proposal follows a year of record-breaking profits for the state's gambling sector. In 2025, iGaming operators saw players lose over $2.91 billion, a 22% jump from 2024. Sportsbooks also took in $1.17 billion, up 7.5% from the previous year.
New Jersey currently hosts 26 iGaming platforms, 14 online sportsbooks, and nine retail sportsbooks within Atlantic City casinos. The bill does not specify how many of these have used text marketing in the past.
If passed, the law would impose financial penalties on any operator found sending promotional texts. The ban reflects growing concerns about gambling addiction linked to digital marketing. The state's gambling industry, meanwhile, continues to expand with rising revenues from online and sports betting.
