The lottery might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of problem gambling, but as with sports gambling in Freehold, NJ, or any kind of gambling, there’s the potential for lottery playing to go from a fun recreational activity to an unhealthy problem.
In 2017, when the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University conducted a survey of gambling activities in New Jersey, it included the lottery as one form of gambling. The study concluded that problem gambling is on the rise, with 15 percent of residents who gambled falling into the “problem gambler” category and 6.3 percent registering as “disordered.”
The New Jersey Lottery has worked closely with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) to develop Responsible Play Initiatives in an attempt to cut down on irresponsible lottery playing. The initiatives include printing our 24/7 confidential helpline number on all tickets, as well as distributing educational literature targeting both adults and children.
In our state, you must be 18 years of age to purchase a lottery ticket, but the New Jersey Lottery has identified lottery playing as one of the more prevalent forms of teen gambling. Its “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” campaign is aimed at discouraging retailers from selling tickets to underage players, as well as reminding kids to comply with state law.
How do you know if you or someone you care about is developing an unhealthy lottery playing problem? See our graphic below for information on some of the tell-tale signs that your lottery playing activities may be out of control.
Playing the lottery can be fun and engaging; it should not be a source of physical, mental or financial stress for you or your loved ones. It’s important to practice moderation and set limits for yourself when it comes to how often you buy lottery tickets and how much you spend on them, but that’s especially difficult if you struggle with disordered gambling tendencies.
If you have a problem with lottery playing or sports betting in Freehold, NJ, or somewhere else in the state, don’t hesitate to contact our free and confidential helpline at 800-GAMBLER today.
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