A recent poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) reveals that New Jersey residents desire a reduction in the number of gambling advertisements. The survey aimed to assess local attitudes toward gambling ads and also examined the issue of whether cell phones should be banned in schools.
Gambling advertisements ought to be limited to some extent
Residents of New Jersey have expressed strong support for limiting the intensity and exposure of gambling advertisements, with 76% endorsing the introduction of some form of regulations. Only 17% of respondents believed that the current situation should remain unchanged. A university poll highlighted differences across political affiliations, revealing that 81% of Democrats favored restrictions, while Republicans were slightly more hesitant, with 74% supporting limits on the frequency of advertising. Older voters were particularly in favor of these restrictions, with 79% of them expressing agreement. This sentiment emerges amid a surge in the popularity of sports betting both in New Jersey and nationwide. According to a recent poll by FDU conducted in September, signs of problem gambling are already visible among 10% of young men aged 18 to 30, a figure significantly higher than the national average of 3%. Consequently, it appears that young people, especially young men, may be overly exposed to gambling advertisements, potentially exacerbating their gambling habits. Indeed, sports betting has become a remarkably popular activity.
New Jersey has been tweaking gambling laws for a while
Recently, New Jersey has relaxed some of its more restrictive and outdated regulations. Notably, the state has proposed the decriminalization of underage gambling. This means that individuals below the legal gambling age caught gambling would face penalties but not criminal charges if this proposal is enacted. The state is actively working to address issues related to gambling. Last year, the governor established a Responsible Gambling Task Force to tackle gambling-related harms and provide guidance on public policy.
