New Jersey residents advocate for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements
Fed-Up Garden Staters Want a Gambling Ads Crackdown
It's high time for a gambling ad revamp in New Jersey, according to a recent poll. Farleigh Dickenson University (FDU) conducted a survey, delving into locals' opinions on gambling advertisements, with a key focus on whether cell phones should be banned in schools.
Time to Tame the Gambling Ad Frenzy
A whopping 76% of Jersey residents are in favor of reining in gambling advertisements, insisting on some kind of restriction. Just 17% of those polled argued against any change, content with the status quo.
The poll results also painted a political picture, with Democrats overwhelmingly favoring limits, at 81%, while Republicans showed more reluctance, with 74% supporting potential restrictions. Interestingly, older voters were the most vocal, with 79% expressing their approval for a crackdown on ads.
Concurrently, sports betting is surging in popularity across the state and the nation. A FDU poll conducted in September revealed that a staggering 10% of young men aged between 18 and 30 are exhibiting signs of problem gambling, which soars above the 3% average for the general population. This suggests that young people, especially young men, could be overexposed to gambling ads, potentially fueling their gambling habits to dangerous levels.
A Changing Landscape for Gambling in New Jersey
While New Jersey is cracking down on gambling ads, it's also easing up on certain rules. The state has proposed decriminalizing underage gambling. This means that underage gamblers who get caught would only face a penalty instead of criminal charges, should the proposal be adopted.
New Jersey has also established a Responsible Gambling Task Force last year to combat gambling-related harm and advise on public policy.
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The Heart of the Matter: Limitations on Gambling Ads
The state is considering several proposals to limit gambling ads:
- Banning Ads Near Schools & Colleges: Bills such as Assembly Bill A5562 and Senate Bill S4366 are being proposed to prohibit gambling advertisements near educational institutions, as well as in media targeted at individuals under 21.
- Evaluating Ad Language: The bills also mandate a study by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to determine the impact of ad language on bettors, focusing on its role in promoting responsible gambling practices.
- Online Advertising Restrictions: A5207, a bill introduced by Assemblyman Brian Bergen, proposes banning online ads related to sports betting, although it has yet to make any significant progress.
- Banning Online Sweepstakes Casinos: A5447, sponsored by Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, aims to put an end to online sweepstakes casinos, addressing unauthorized gambling activities.
These measures reflect a growing concern about problem gambling among young people and a push for responsible gaming practices in the Garden State.
1. Amid the surge in sports betting popularity, there's a call for stricter sports betting ads due to the potential influence on young people, as evidenced by the 10% of young men between 18 and 30 showing signs of problem gambling, significantly above the general population average.2. Despite plans to decriminalize underage gambling, there's an ongoing push to enact gambling laws that limit gambling ads, such as banning ads near schools and colleges, evaluating ad language for responsible gambling promotion, restricting online advertising related to sports betting, and ending online sweepstakes casinos.3. In the face of expanding gambling options and rising concerns about problem gambling, New Jersey has established a Responsible Gambling Task Force to address gambling-related harm and offer guidance on public policy.
