New Jersey, one of our nation’s most gambling-friendly states, has a long and complex gaming history that dates back all the way to the 1800’s. Fast forward to 2018 and the New Jersey gambling industry continues to grow, with online gambling sites reaching an all-time high in revenues and even bigger news in the possible legalization of sports betting to follow.
It’s important to note that while the gambling industry is on the rise, so is the percentage of residents with a gambling disorder. In fact, a statewide survey performed nearly three decades ago returned a 2.8% rate of problem gambling compared to a 15% rate that we see today.
Let’s take a deeper look into the battle to legalize sports betting and the booming online gambling industry, two very popular topics to follow this month.
New Jersey’s Sports Betting Case
There are three possible outcomes in the New Jersey sports betting case.
- PASPA is ruled unconstitutional, and sports betting becomes legalized throughout NJ.
- New Jersey could win a partial repeal that would make sports betting only be allowed in Atlantic City casinos and state racetracks (the PASPA would also still stand).
- PASPA is constitutional with the court ruling against New Jersey and legal sports betting in the state.
The US Supreme Court is set to make their decision on whether or not sports betting will be legalized sometime on or before June, 2018.
Online Gambling Sites Continue to Grow
In 2017, the New Jersey online gambling arena raked in close to $250 million in revenues — and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, the New Jersey online gaming industry has yet to experience any type of decline, year-over-year, in any month. Gaming operators continue to launch new and innovative games with live dealer products and virtual sports to keep gambling users active and wanting more.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) is dedicated to educating the public on these critical issues as well providing disordered gamblers with an extensive set of resources to help them in their journey to recovery. The CCGNJ is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via our free and confidential hotline 1-800-GAMBLER.
Thousands have already received help but we know there are thousands more. Whether you are struggling with a sports betting problem in the NJ Meadowlands or a gambling and alcohol use disorder (also known as “alcohol addiction”) in Camden, NJ, the CCGNJ is here for you.