New Jersey Lawmakers Advance Bill To Ban Push Notifications From Online Gambling Apps

New Jersey legislators are pushing Senate Bill 3401 forward. The measure would stop online casinos and sportsbooks from sending push notifications or text messages that prompt betting when apps are closed. Sen. Andrew Zwicker introduced it. The bill targets licensed gambling entities across the state.

What counts as a push notification? The bill defines it as an automatic message that pops up on a user’s device when the platform isn’t visible.  Operators who don’t comply could face civil penalties. Each violation might cost up to $500.

The prohibition applies to all licensed online gambling platforms operating within state borders, including Atlantic City casinos and retail sportsbooks. If this measure becomes law, platforms would need to restructure how they market to users.

Zwicker has stressed that the push-notification ban zeroes in on communications shown to fuel addictive play patterns. Supporters argue that cutting back on individualized promotional outreach could reduce compulsive gambling behaviors among users.

The proposal arrives during a period of increased focus on consumer protections. Last year, the state generated nearly $3 billion in online casino revenue. Multiple companion bills addressing ad placement, incentive-based promotions, and payment methods have been introduced alongside this one.

Gov. Phil Murphy said the state’s efforts reflect an attempt to take proactive steps to “address gambling-related harm before it takes root,” according to Sportsline. A bill that passed requires higher-education institutions to partner with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. Students would receive resources about responsible gambling through these partnerships.

Two other Senate bills also take on how gambling operators approach marketing. One proposal, S2356, would require the Division of Gaming Enforcement to conduct a study of gaming advertisements. The bill would also allow the DGE to ban gaming advertisements near schools or that target certain demographics.

S1444 would give the DGE broader authority to ban online casino advertisements that the regulatory body considers deceptive or inappropriate. As mobile betting has become more embedded in daily habits, these efforts reflect an ongoing push to address gambling-related harms as they happen.

If passed, promotional alerts, odds updates, and re-engagement messages would no longer be allowed unless a user is inside the app. Platforms would have to rely more on email, in-app messaging, or opt-in channels with explicit user consent.

A $500 fine per violation may seem modest. But the cost could grow fast if systems aren’t adjusted. The rapid scale of mass texting or automated notifications means operators may face compliance expenses tied to auditing, employee training, and refining their marketing technology.

Industry analysts say these changes may influence other states evaluating similar measures. Multiple jurisdictions are considering restrictions on marketing tactics and payment methods. A shift in the Garden State could speed up nationwide updates to responsible gambling practices.

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