NJ Gives Nod to Boosting Problem Gambling Awareness in College and University

The New Jersey Senate voted with full majority on Assembly Bill A1715, meant to strengthen problem gambling and addiction awareness and support on state college and university campuses.

New Jersey Stepping Efforts to Raise Awareness for Problem Gambling 

The measure comes at a time of increased scrutiny on college-level sports, as well as new research that has repeatedly pointed out that students are exposed to gambling harm through advertisement and a lack of awareness about the available support options. 

Voted 38-0, AB A1715 will seek to address these issues by bringing more experts on campus and generally help raise awareness about the ill effects of gambling-related harm. 

Among the measures outlined by the bill is an obligation by all educational institutions of the designated level to host the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, which will provide information and resources about compulsive gambling. 

Separately, all designated institutions must provide the relevant information and resources on their own, meant to promote responsible gambling behavior, share helplines, and other resources that can otherwise help students struggling to control their gambling habits. 

With more controversial measures discussed, but not making much progress – such as a proposal to ban gambling advertisement altogether near college campuses – raising awareness for the potential issues of excessive gambling has become an important focus of lawmakers’ efforts to protect young adults.

Young men are particularly susceptible to gambling-related harm in New Jersey, not least due to peer pressure, early exposure, and the widespread availability of regulated gambling products. 

With online sports betting and casino gaming legally accessible to individuals aged 21 and over, including college-aged adults, gambling has become a ubiquitous part of the state’s digital entertainment landscape.