A bill redefines what constitutes dormant online gaming accounts
New Jersey lawmakers are pushing forward legislation to change how inactive online gambling accounts are managed, aiming to ensure unclaimed funds are returned to their rightful owners. Under the proposed bill, funds in accounts that have been dormant for three years would be transferred to the state’s unclaimed property program. This measure is designed to protect account holders and prevent gaming sites from keeping or mismanaging unused balances.
The bipartisan initiative, led by Assemblymen Robert Auth and Joe Danielsen, with additional support from Assemblymen Sean Kean and John DiMaio, seeks to amend the rules surrounding dormant accounts. Current law requires unclaimed funds to be divided equally between the casino operator and the state’s Casino Control Fund. The new bill would reclassify these funds as unclaimed property under the “Uniform Unclaimed Property Act,” giving players a clear pathway to reclaim their money.
To ensure transparency, casinos would need to contact account holders through multiple channels—mail, phone, and email—before closing any inactive accounts. If the funds remain unclaimed after three years, they would be transferred to the state, where players could retrieve them through the unclaimed property system.
Online gambling has become a major revenue stream for New Jersey, making proper management of player funds a priority for both lawmakers and regulators. This proposal underscores the state’s commitment to accountability in the gaming industry while safeguarding the rights of players. By placing unclaimed balances under state control, the bill seeks to maintain trust and fairness as online gaming continues to expand in the region.
