Recent Research on Gambling in New Jersey Reveals a Surge in Participation
A study funded by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and carried out by Rutgers University shows that the gaming industry is still attracting new players.
Rutgers' School of Social Work, Center for Gambling Studies, recently released the results of their study, titled "The Prevalence of Online and Land-Based Gambling in New Jersey." The report was overseen by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, whose office is responsible for managing the DGE. He mentioned that the study is part of the state's ongoing efforts "to aid individuals dealing with problematic gaming and gambling addiction issues."
Dr. Lia Nower, who led the study, notes that New Jersey has been a pioneer in exploring every online wager and its impact on residents. She stated that the report serves as a reference for prevention and education initiatives aiming to protect individuals at greatest risk of developing gambling issues: young adults, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and those who partake in multiple gambling activities and wager both offline and online.
The researchers at Rutgers inquired more than 3,500 New Jersey adults aged 18 and older to evaluate their gaming habits between December 2020 and April 2021. Participants were questioned about their engagement in all forms of legally offered gambling in the state, including lottery games, casinos, online gaming, sports betting, fantasy sports, esports, and horse racing wagers.
Increasing Participation
One of the major perceptions in the 59-page gambling prevalence report is that participation has continued to rise.
The participation rate in sports betting surged from 15% in the previous study done in 2017 to over 19%. Since sports betting wasn't legalized when Rutgers last polled New Jersey residents, the increase in participation registered a minimal increase of 4%.
The proportion of gamblers who exclusively wager online almost tripled, jumping from 5% to nearly 15%. The percentage of people who frequent both land-based gambling establishments and online platforms more than doubled from 19% to 36%.
The proportion of those exclusively gambling at the nine casinos in Atlantic City dwindled from 76% to 49%.
Ultimately, the study determined that more than sixty percent of New Jersey residents engaged in some form of gambling over the past year.
Problem Gambling: Wins and Losses
Though gambling rates are increasing, the researchers observed a decrease in "high-risk gambling" from 6.3% in the 2017 report to 5.6%. Low and moderate-risk problem gambling also declined by approximately two percentage points to 13%.
"High-risk," "low," and "moderate-risk" problem gamblers are characterized based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The PGSI is a self-assessment tool that consists of nine questions addressing players' behaviors.
Although moderate and severe problem gambling rates decreased, the researchers stated that New Jersey's problem gambling rate remains three times the national average. Based on survey findings, it's estimated that 6% of New Jersey's adult population is confronting a gambling disorder.
"As New Jersey's gaming industry continues to evolve, we have a responsibility to support those coping with problem gaming and gambling addiction issues," Platkin concluded. "By releasing this report, we can better assess the prevalence of gambling across the state, identify challenges faced by our vulnerable populations, and design programs and initiatives to help them."
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Source: www.casino.org
