If you’ve taken a step back from online gambling, you may have left money sitting in your account without realizing it. A new pair of bipartisan bills in New Jersey, known as Senate Bill 152 (S152) and Assembly Bill 397 (A397), seeks to change how dormant online gambling accounts are managed, ensuring those unclaimed funds are protected and, ultimately, returned to their rightful owners. This legislative effort highlights the growing need to safeguard players’ funds in an increasingly digital gaming landscape, but it also raises questions about how such measures intersect with problem gambling recovery and support systems. Here’s what you need to know!
The Proposed Bills and Their Purpose
In New Jersey, unclaimed funds from inactive online gambling accounts are currently split evenly between the casino licensee and the state’s Casino Control Fund. However, new legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Robert Auth and Joe Danielsen, among others, proposes transferring these funds to the state’s unclaimed property program under the “Uniform Unclaimed Property Act” after three years of account inactivity.
This change would enable individuals to reclaim their funds through the state instead of losing their money to gaming sites or the Casino Control Fund. Before accounts are closed, the bills mandate that casinos attempt to contact account holders by mail, phone, and email.
The lawmakers’ primary goal is transparency and fairness, ensuring that unclaimed funds are handled responsibly while protecting players from losing their money unnecessarily. With online gambling becoming a significant source of state revenue, these bills reflect the evolving needs of a growing digital gaming industry.
Encouraging Responsible Gaming Practices
The new legislation aligns with the principles of responsible gambling by holding casinos accountable for reaching out to players and offering them opportunities to reclaim unused funds. This proactive approach can also serve as a moment of reflection for players — an opportunity to evaluate their gambling habits and make decisions that prioritize their financial and emotional well-being.
Bills S152 and A397 may also signal a shift in how the online gaming industry might operate in the future. By moving unclaimed funds into the state’s unclaimed property program, lawmakers aim to enhance accountability in a sector often scrutinized for prioritizing profits over players’ interests.
Implications for Problem Gambling Recovery
While these bills emphasize transparency and consumer protection, they also bring attention to broader issues related to online gambling, especially for individuals trying to stop gambling or reduce their exposure to triggers. For many, stepping away from gambling represents a meaningful step toward regaining control over their lives. However, the presence of dormant funds in online accounts could act as a temptation, potentially pulling individuals back into harmful patterns. Even when the funds are no longer accessible through the gaming platform itself, knowing that money is available could spark anxiety or the urge to return to gambling.
This is where resources like 800-GAMBLER play a vital role. By providing confidential support, education, and guidance, our toll-free, 24/7 helpline helps individuals navigate the challenges of reducing or eliminating gambling in their lives. Whether you’re worried about your spending or seeking information about how to ban yourself from a casino, having access to resources like GA meetings can make all the difference in staying on track.
Looking Ahead
As New Jersey considers this legislation to protect inactive online gambling accounts, it’s important to remember that bills S152 and A397 are not yet law — they must pass through the appropriate legislative processes before being enacted. For now, funds from dormant accounts remain subject to existing laws.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, don’t wait to seek help. Call 800-GAMBLER today and take the first step toward regaining control and peace of mind. We are always here to help!