Year-long Initiative Launched for Gambling Support in New Jersey
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New Jersey's Year-Long Campaign to Help Battle Problem Gambling
Say goodbye to gambling woes, New Jersey's got your back! Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced an ambitious year-long campaign to combat problem gambling, which he unveiled during March - aka Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The crusade aims to boost awareness about gambling risks and offer assistance to those who need it.
Why the grand gestures? Simply put, gambling, particularly sports betting, has became a 'beloved pastime' for many, and unfortunately, some have fallen into its dangerous clutches. The Garden State wants to ensure everyone partakes in gambling responsibly and knows where to find help if they ever feel they've had enough.
Expect to see online ads during high-stakes events such as the NCAA Basketball March Madness or the Super Bowl, reminding folks to exercise caution before placing their bets. Especially when they're not exactly 'on cloud nine,' such as after a few drinks or when emotion cloud their judgment.
To make it even harder for gambling addicts to gamble excessively, New Jersey is introducing some snap checks for online gambling sites. These sites will be tasked with looking out for gamblers who might be betting too much and offering them ways to cool off or set betting limits.
The campaign is being run by the company, Marketsmith, who've pooled together $300,000 for the project. They won't be just throwing around ads; they're determined to make sure people actually use the tools and resources available to take control of their gambling habits.
The initiative came about due to a study from Rutgers University, revealing that around 6% of the New Jersey population could be struggling with gambling addiction. That's far higher than the national average – and with more people gambling online and in-person, it's a worrying trend.
Fret not, if you're unable to resist your gambling urges, New Jersey's offering a smorgasbord of resources to help you conquer addiction:
- Counseling and Therapy Services:
- From specialized counseling services at organizations like Ayre Counseling to emotional and psychological support – there's no shortage of help for those seeking a way out of the vicious cycle.
- Responsible Gambling Initiatives:
- New Jersey's Responsible Gambling Task Force is hell-bent on education, prevention, and promoting responsible gaming practices from addressing underage gambling to maintaining fairness and safeguarding the vulnerable.
- Recovery Tips and Strategies:
- Right Choice Recovery's prepackaged tips on quitting gambling will come in handy – offering advice on managing cravings, avoiding triggers, and building support networks.
- Regulatory Measures:
- Strict regulations on gambling operators ensure transparency, fairness, and safeguards against gambling addiction.
- Non-profit Organizations:
- Non-profit organizations focused on addiction recovery offer additional support services, support groups, and peer networks for individuals grappling with gambling addiction.
- Community Support Groups:
- Groups like Gamblers Anonymous offer peer support and 12-step programs to help people break the gambling addiction in a supportive community setting.
- Educational Programs:
- Various educational programs are available to raise awareness about gambling addiction risks, its impact, and strategies to avoid it.
If you're in need of help, remember there are resources at your disposal. New Jersey's free helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, is just a phone call away, ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. And don't forget, help is often just a supportive community away!
- The year-long campaign by New Jersey aims to remind individuals, especially during high-stakes events like the NCAA Basketball March Madness or the Super Bowl, to exercise caution when gambling, whether online or at casinos.
- The initiative is a response to a study from Rutgers University, which showed that around 6% of New Jersey's population could be struggling with gambling addiction, higher than the national average.
- For those who are struggling with gambling, Rutgers offers counseling services and emotional support, along with a variety of other resources such as recovery tips, regulatory measures, non-profit organizations, community support groups, educational programs, and a free helpline (1-800-GAMBLER).
- The gambling helpline, run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, is a valuable resource for those in need, providing assistance and a supportive community for those aiming to conquer their gambling addiction.
