New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a bill requiring the state’s public schools to work with the Council on Compulsive Gambling to raise awareness of gambling risks.
The bill requires all public colleges, universities, and community colleges in the state to invite the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey to their campuses at least once per semester to provide students with important information on the risks associated with gambling.
The campus visits will also highlight compulsive gambling counselling services and provide student with details of self-exclusion programs and other available support resources.
“Today’s signing demonstrates our continued commitment to promoting responsible gaming and supporting the well-being of students across New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “By connecting campus communities with expert resources, we’re taking proactive steps to address gambling-related harm before it takes root.”
Senator Joseph Cryan, chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and one of the primary sponsor of the bill added: “The proliferation of sports betting by college students is a troubling trend that can have a destructive impact on their lives
“Research shows that young people are especially vulnerable to compulsive gambling and can have a difficult time breaking the habit once it becomes ingrained. Our state schools have a responsibility to act to protect them from the negative influences that promote the practice.”
Senator John McKeon, another primary sponsor of the bill, said: “Since the expansion of online gaming and sports betting, we’ve seen a troubling rise in problem gambling, especially among inexperienced young adults on college campuses. This legislation takes a preventative approach by ensuring that students have direct access to data-driven information and resources from the Council on Compulsive Gambling throughout their college careers, helping to educate them before they are negatively impacted.”
Assemblywoman Garnet Hall added: “College should be a time of opportunity, not silent struggle. This law connects students with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, giving them access to education and support services that can make a real difference in their well-being.”