USAWhat the Multi-Factor Authentication Measures Mean for NJ Casino Players
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement is introducing new gambling regulations for the state. NJ Online casinos are now required to establish two-factor or multi-factor authentication to access their site. What does it mean for the player?Protecting your Information
While this was discussed in March 2022, the law has officially been in effect since June 30. Understanding that multi-factor authentication means these sites are doing everything they can to protect you and your information from potential hackers is essential. (1)
This article will provide in-depth details about what you should know regarding multi-factor authentication.
Fast Facts about Multi-Factor Authentication in NJ:
| How often will the system request to authenticate: | Every two weeks. |
| Log-in options accepted: | A password, pattern, or answers to challenge questions.A request for biometric data, such as fingerprints, and facial or voice recognition. |
| Date of applicability: | June 30 |
| Organization regulating the enforcement of this law: | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
FAQs
This type of authentication requires more details than a username and password. Players must verify their profiles through more intimate details. (2)
Multi-factor authentication makes it more difficult for hackers to steal usernames and passwords and then sell the information on the dark web. The second step is usually something unique that only the player can fulfill.
Proxy betting allows an individual outside the state or illegal to place bets via another person who meets the criteria to bet on their behalf.
Yes, since the regulatory body has made this mandatory, every casino operating within the state must comply to be considered a legal platform.
Multi-factor Authentication Law in NJ
The multi-factor authentication law was primarily introduced to protect players who gamble in online casinos.
"Multi-factor authentication" means a type of strong authentication that uses two of the following to verify a patron's identity:
- Information known only to the patron, such as a password, pattern or answers to challenge questions;
- An item possessed by a patron such as an electronic token, physical token or an identification card; or
- A patron's biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial or voice recognition. (3)
By adding another layer of security, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement believes it will guard against hackers and make it difficult for them to access private information.
The Division tabled this new law in March 2022 and required all NJ online casinos to implement their multi-factor authentication strategies by June 30.
Why do Casinos in NJ Need multi-factor authentication?
Hackers were obtaining the personal information of gamblers far too easily and selling it on the dark web. As a result, it left the casinos open to money laundering practices and other illegal activity through the casino.
There have been instances where a player residing out of the state and not allowed to gamble at a New Jersey casino, falsely nominated a “proxy” who was legal and living in NJ to place wagers on their behalf. (4)
This practice was only possible through one-factor authentication since there was no need for biometrics or a personal question.
Do All Online Casinos in NJ have to implement Multi-factor Authentication?
Yes, all online casinos within the state of NJ must adhere to these regulations as the Division of Gaming Entertainment binds them. Their license conditions state that they must meet all regulations set out by the Division, which is a new law they must obey.
Failing to implement multi-factor authentication may result in a civil fine for the casino.
What other factors can a casino ask the player to double-authenticate the identity?
Multi-factor authentication means casinos will require more than a username and password to enter their platform to place bets.
These are some of the requests you can expect from online casinos in New Jersey:
- Request information that only the player would know, such as a pattern, password, or answers to a set of personal questions.
- The site may require a particular item that only the player possesses, such as a token, electronic token, or identification card.
- Players may have to verify their login through biometric details such as fingerprints, facial, or voice recognition.
Benefits of a Multi-factor Authentication in NJ
Stronger authentication means that both players and casinos are safer because both become more difficult targets for cybercriminals.
The same principle applies to your online casino accounts precisely as you would employ various security measures to protect your belongings on your property.
Everyone wants a safe space to gamble and the Division has passed this regulation to address this issue.
How will it benefit the casino?
It protects the casino from illegal activity on its watch and prevents any issuance of a fine for poor security measures.
How will it benefit the player?
Players can be confident that their information is safe and secure when signing up for an online casino account. Every time they log in to gamble, they can be reassured that hackers will find it quite difficult to access their sensitive data.
Takeaway on the New Authentication Law for Casinos in NJ
Online gambling should be safe for both casinos and gamblers. The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement included new regulations that any online casino must consist of at least a two-factor authentication for its players.
The information players will enter for the multi-factor authentication is unique to them, which means it eliminates the risk of cybercriminals hacking into their accounts and stealing their information.
Also, it avoids proxy betting where an individual who isn’t allowed to place wagers in an NJ online casino uses a third party to gamble on their behalf. This law is no doubt in the best interest of the casinos and the players that frequently visit.
Resources & Sources
- Sports Betting Operators Go All In on Digital Authentication to Meet New Jersey’s 2022 MFA Regulations, Prove, accessed July 2022, <https://www.prove.com/blog/sports-betting-operators-go-all-in-digital-authentication-new-jerseys-2022-mfa-regulations>
- What is Multi-factor Authentication, Prove, accessed July 2022 <https://www.prove.com/blog/what-is-multi-factor-authentication-mfa-and-how-does-it-work>
- Definition of Multi-factor Authentication, NJ.gov, accessed July 2022,<https://www.nj.gov/lps/ge/docs/Regulations/CHAPTER69O.pdf>
- DraftKings Fined $150K By NJ Regulators for Allowing Proxy Betting, ABC News, accessed July 2022, <https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/nj-fines-draftkings-150000-allowing-proxy-betting-83239590>