New Jersey Lawmakers Target Push Notifications, Texts from Online Gambling Sites

New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation to prohibit online gambling operators from sending push notifications and text messages to users, with violators facing fines up to $500 per incident. The proposed Senate Bill 3401 represents the latest effort to strengthen responsible gambling protections in a state that generated nearly $3 billion in online casino gaming revenue last year. Consequently, operators may need to rethink their customer engagement strategies as New Jersey gambling regulations continue to evolve. The measure arrives as the state’s online casino industry approaches 13 years of operation.

Senate Bill 3401 Targets Push Notifications from Online Gambling Sites

Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Somerset) introduced Senate Bill 3401 to prohibit all licensed gambling entities in New Jersey from utilizing push notifications and text messages for promotional purposes. The legislation targets Atlantic City casinos, retail and online sportsbooks, iGaming platforms, and their affiliates, barring these entities from using SMS technology to solicit deposits or persuade users to gamble.

The bill defines ‘push notification’ as an automatic electronic message displayed on a user’s device when the gaming platform is not actively open or visible, designed to prompt engagement with the platform. Under the proposed statute, operators cannot send any text communication to encourage betting activity.

Gaming entities found violating the text prohibition face fines of not less than £397.08 per offense. Given that sportsbooks often send marketing texts to thousands of customers, the financial penalties could prove substantial if violations occur at scale.

As of February 2026, New Jersey operates 26 licensed iGaming platforms, 14 licensed online sportsbooks, and nine retail sportsbooks inside Atlantic City casinos. Proponents argue that curbing individualized marketing could help reduce excessive and compulsive gambling behaviour. The restrictions only affect communications aimed at individual accounts, while public advertising on websites and other channels remains permitted.

New Jersey Gambling Regulations Expand Beyond Notifications

Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill A1715, requiring public colleges and universities throughout New Jersey to host regular campus visits by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. The legislation mandates that institutions invite the council at least once per semester to provide on-campus sessions detailing gambling risks, counseling services, and self-exclusion program options. Additionally, every public institution must display educational materials promoting responsible gambling and clearly post hotline and support information across athletic facilities, dorms, libraries, student centers, and online portals.

Separately, the Assembly Higher Education Committee advanced Bill A4113, which prohibits partnerships between sportsbooks and public universities. The measure passed unanimously, making it illegal for sportsbooks or intermediaries to establish deals with state institutions like Rutgers. However, the legislation permits university-gambling relationships for academic purposes or those providing experiential learning opportunities to students.

New Jersey gambling regulations continue to expand with Senate Bill 3666, which proposes incorporating gambling education into high school curriculums. State Senator Shirley Turner cited that about 20 percent of teenagers face risk of developing gambling addiction. New Jersey remains the only jurisdiction requiring yearly evaluations of the relationship between online gambling, sports wagering, and problem gambling.

What These Changes Mean for Casino Users and Operators

New Jersey’s online casino market generated £2.31 billion in revenue during 2025, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. That figure exceeded land-based casino revenue for the first time in state history, as Atlantic City’s retail casinos collected £2.30 billion. FanDuel and partner Golden Nugget led the market with £520.57 million in total revenue, up 29.4%, while DraftKings and Resorts World ranked second with £452.51 million.

For casino users, New Jersey gambling regulations create a framework where operators must publish return-to-player percentages and submit games for independent fairness testing. Age and identity verification requirements mandate that players are at least 21 years old before any real-money activity is permitted. The state collected over £0.80 billion in taxes from gambling activity during 2025, with £462.12 million coming from iGaming alone.

Operators face financial exposure under the proposed notification restrictions, as the £397.08 penalty applies per offense. A marketing text sent to thousands of customers could generate substantial fines if deemed in violation. Accordingly, platforms may need to redirect marketing budgets toward email campaigns and in-app messaging rather than push notifications and SMS outreach.

The proposed credit card ban would eliminate funding options that several operators, including DraftKings, have already discontinued internally.