ATLANTIC
CITY — A recent ruling published by
the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
ordered the remission to the State of $6,462
in gaming winnings confiscated from three
self-excluded patrons identified by employees
of the Trump Taj Mahal. Money that is forfeited
to the State from patrons on the self-exclusion
list is directed to the Casino Revenue Fund,
which supports compulsive gambling treatment
and education programs in addition to programs
for the State’s senior citizens and
persons with disabilities.
Acting Director David Rebuck indicated that,
"The Division of Gaming Enforcement
continues to work with the casino industry
to ensure that people who should not be
gambling in Atlantic City are kept out."
New Jersey’s Self-Exclusion Program
started in 2001 under the Casino Control
Commission. There are currently 1,147 people
in the Self-Exclusion Program. A person
can sign up for a minimum of one year, five
years or for a lifetime. When people sign
up for self-exclusion, the casino must stop
marketing to them; remove them from any
mailing lists; and stop offering them complimentaries,
credit or any other inducement to gamble.
On
February 1, 2011, Governor Chris Christie
signed into law Bill S-12 which resulted
in the transfer to the Division of Gaming
Enforcement of numerous functions that had
been overseen by the Casino Control Commission.
As part of its expanded role, the Division
of Gaming Enforcement is remaining vigilant
regarding the issue of problem gambling
and the need to keep self-excluded patrons
out of the casinos.
"The
Division continues to take the responsibility
for promoting and ensuring responsible gaming
through the Self-Exclusion Program very
seriously," said Rebuck. "We are
pleased and encouraged by the actions of
the employees at Trump Taj Mahal and look
forward to working with all the casinos
in identifying self-excluded persons. We
continue to encourage anyone who has a problem
controlling their betting habits to reach
out for help and information on the self-exclusion
program and treatment programs available
throughout the State."
Gamblers
and their families can call 1-800-GAMBLER
24 hours a day for confidential and free
assistance or www.800gambler.org.
Information on the Self-Exclusion Program
and other resources can also be found at
www.njdge.org
or by calling 609-441-3688.
Acting
Director Rebuck said, "Compulsive gambling
is a serious concern for the Division, casino
operators and the Council on Compulsive
Gambling and we continue to support ongoing
initiatives by these entities to promote
responsible gambling."
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