New Jersey Residents Advocate for Restricting Gambling Advertisements

A recent survey reveals that residents of New Jersey are eager to see a reduction in the number of gambling advertisements. Conducted by Farleigh Dickinson University (FDU), this poll explored local opinions on gambling ads, alongside delving into whether mobile phones should be prohibited in educational institutions.

The Call to Limit Gambling Advertisements

There is a strong consensus among New Jerseyans advocating for a decrease in the prevalence and exposure to gambling advertisements, with 76% of participants supporting the introduction of some form of restriction.

In contrast, only 17% of respondents felt that the current situation should remain unchanged.

• Political Affiliation: The poll further dissected opinions along political lines. It found that 81% of Democrats supported ad restrictions.
• Republican Support: Republicans showed slightly less enthusiasm, with 74% in favor of limiting the number of ads.
• Age Factor: The inclination for restrictions was notably higher among older voters, with 79% expressing affirmative responses.

This sentiment emerges amid a growing wave of sports betting popularity throughout the Garden State and the nation. According to another FDU survey conducted as recently as September, 10% of young men aged 18 to 30 are already exhibiting signs of problem gambling—a significant figure when compared to the 3% average across the general population.

Clearly, younger demographics, particularly young men, may be overly exposed to gambling advertisements, potentially exacerbating their gambling behaviors. Sports betting has rapidly become a favored leisure activity.

Adjustments to New Jersey’s Gambling Regulations

In recent times, New Jersey has been revising some of its more restrictive and outdated gambling laws. Notably, the state has proposed the decriminalization of underage gambling, suggesting that individuals below the legal gambling age caught in such activities would face penalties but not criminal charges, should the proposal be enacted.

The state remains committed to addressing potential gambling-related issues. Last year, the governor introduced a Responsible Gambling Task Force aimed at mitigating gambling-related harm and advising on public policy within the state.