With the signing of S12, Governor Christie set into play a series of actions, including removal of inspectors from the floor of casinos, layoffs of staff of the Casino Control Commission, and the immediate assumption of responsibility for staff licensing, enforcement and responsible gaming programs by the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
So where does all this leave us as a state?
• Atlantic City’s 11 casinos have achieved a long fought for goal – namely, less regulation.
• Government will definitely be smaller.
• Revenues in AC will probably rebound.
• Some claim that the door has been reopened to organized crime and corruption.
• And, now that they are essentially self-policing, casinos will need to demonstrate that their Responsible Gaming policies are real and effective.
But what will happen to compulsive gamblers and their families as a result of these reforms? Oddly, no one except the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ has even asked this question.
• Governor Christie’s Advisory Committee left this to the Casino Control Commission to decide.
…. But the CCC no longer is responsible for enforcement of responsible gaming.
• Each of NJ’s 11 casinos already has a “Responsible Gaming” policy.
…. Yet each year, many of them are fined for allowing minors, self-excluded problem gamblers and other prohibited persons to enter the floors and gamble.
… And, news reports continue to describe embezzlement of funds by compulsive gamblers trying to stay in action, as well as suicides by those who are at the end of their luck.
• According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, all states should be conducting public health campaigns that include helpline numbers such as 1-800-GAMBLER, awareness about problem gambling, and treatment for addicted persons.
… States such as NY and PA have expanded their activities, but NJ cut funding by 16% in the FY 2011 budget.
…And, not one dollar of NJ Casino Revenues goes toward funding compulsive gambling services. There is also no explanation for why the State has failed to release any of the forfeited casino winnings amounts designated to help compulsive gamblers since passage of the enabling legislation 8 years ago.
“It’s time to ‘Change the Conversation’
Weinbaum urges all stakeholders in the process to keep in mind that “Good public health policy and governmental decision-making can save lives, save families, and help communities.”
New Jersey is at a crossroads. Let’s take the right path.
