Published on: February 11, 2026, 09:49h.
Updated on: February 11, 2026, 09:49h.
- A New Jersey legislator is proposing to ban gambling-related text messages
- Casinos, sportsbooks, and online gaming sites in Atlantic City utilize SMS marketing
Gambling establishments such as casinos and sportsbooks engage in various marketing tactics, including sending text alerts to their customers. A state representative from New Jersey advocates for the prohibition of such SMS advertising methods.
Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-Somerset) has put forward Senate Bill No. 3401, aiming to prohibit all licensed gambling operators in New Jersey from sending promotional push notifications and SMS.
This bill would prevent Atlantic City casinos, both retail and online sportsbooks, and iGaming platforms, along with their affiliates, from using SMS marketing to connect with consumers. It would strictly ban sending text communications that solicit deposits or encourage betting.
The term ‘push notification’ refers to an automated electronic alert shown on a mobile gaming account holder’s device when the app for the gaming platform is not actively being viewed, prompting the user to engage with the platform,” the bill outlines.
Senator Zwicker’s S3401 has been referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee for a preliminary assessment.
Addressing Gambling Addiction
The proposal led by Zwicker aims to tackle gambling addiction issues. The senator cites research linking gambling promotion via text messages to an uptick in gambling problems, indicating that New Jersey residents might be betting more than ever.
In 2025, online gaming platforms reached record revenue, with players losing over $2.91 billion on online slots and table games. This figure marked a 22% rise compared to 2024. Online gamblers lost $2.88 billion on slot games and paid $30.26 billion in poker fees.
New Jersey sportsbooks also achieved a significant revenue milestone from sports wagering last year, totaling $1.17 billion, a 7.5% increase from the previous year.
In contrast, the revenue from in-person casinos in Atlantic City rose by just under 3% to reach $2.89 billion.
With regards to gross revenue, New Jersey ranks as the second most profitable iGaming state, following Michigan, which reported online gambling revenue of $2.9 billion in 2025. Pennsylvania ranks third, with an iGaming gross revenue of $2.77 billion.
Penalties for Text Violations
The proposed legislation by Zwicker stipulates that any gaming operator found to breach the texting restrictions could face penalties of “no less than $500 per violation.” If a non-compliant sportsbook sends an unauthorized marketing text to a large number of accounts, the fines could accumulate significantly.
As of February 2026, New Jersey is home to 26 licensed iGaming platforms authorized by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement. Additionally, there are 14 licensed online sportsbooks and nine retail sportsbooks located within Atlantic City casinos. Sportsbook facilities are also present at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks.