Division Of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)

Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement is a division of the Attorney General and was originally established in 1977 to oversee the casino gaming industry. The DGE’s primary responsibility is to enforce the laws outlined in the Casino Control Act and the regulations set by the Casino Control Commission (CCC).

Gambling in New Jersey

The DGE collaborates closely with the Casino Control Commission to license, regulate, and oversee all forms of gambling in New Jersey, including online gambling, which was legalized in February 2013. The division is committed to maintaining a legitimate, crime-free industry, fostering honesty, integrity, and strong character among casino operators, owners, and employees.

License applicants must meet rigorous standards, and the DGE conducts thorough background checks to assess their suitability. The division also monitors licensees to ensure they follow regulations and adhere to best practices related to Know Your Customer (KYC), advertising, and responsible gaming.

Currently, only licensed Atlantic City casinos or their internet affiliates can obtain online gambling licenses. Online sportsbooks must partner with a licensed casino or racetrack before offering services. Additionally, gambling websites are only accessible to players located within New Jersey’s borders.

License Cheking- How to verify

Even with the DGE’s efforts to keep the industry free from crime, it’s always a good idea to verify an operator’s license status and ensure they are offering services legally. The DGE website provides a list of current Gaming Permit Holders and authorized Internet Gaming Sites, making it easy to confirm whether a site and its operator are legitimate.

Complaint Submission Process

All licensees must have a proper process for handling and investigating complaints. However, if a player has filed a complaint with a licensed operator and hasn’t received a satisfactory resolution, they can escalate the issue to the DGE. To do this, an online form must be completed.

Players are required to submit a copy of the original complaint made to the operator along with the form. They must also have received a response from the operator before submitting a dispute to the division.

Account Management Process

Under the Casino Control Act’s provisions on internet gaming, licensees are required to offer players tools for managing their accounts, such as deposit limits and temporary account suspensions. Additionally, the gambling problem helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, must be clearly displayed on the website.

The DGE also runs a Gambling Self-Exclusion Program in partnership with The Council on Compulsive Gambling. Players can sign up for the program in one of the following ways:

In Person or by Video Call: Players can exclude themselves from all Atlantic City casinos, sports betting facilities, and online gambling, or from online gambling alone. Self-exclusion can be set for a minimum of one year, five years, or permanently. Contact details for appointments and inquiries are available below.
DGE Website: Players can self-exclude from internet gaming and sports betting only, with options for one-year or five-year exclusions. Registration can be done via the Self-Exclusion Registration page.
Via Player Account: Players can self-exclude from internet gaming and sports betting only, with options for one-year or five-year exclusions.

Note:
A free consultation with a professional from the Council on Compulsive Gambling is available to all who sign up for the program by calling the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.