Sponsored by:
Senator JOSEPH P. CRYAN
District 20 (Union)
SYNOPSIS
Condemns overproliferation of pro-gambling advertisements in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution condemning the overproliferation of pro-gambling advertisements in New Jersey.
Whereas, Sports betting and gambling are prominent activities in our society that bring opportunity, but also must be engaged in responsibly; and
Whereas, Gambling has long been recognized as a potentially addictive behavior by leading experts and publications, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); and
Whereas, Gambling addiction carries risks to an individuals mental, emotional, and financial stability, and that of their family and community; and
Whereas, The adoption of online sports betting and gaming in several states, including New Jersey, has made gambling more accessible than ever for those suffering from addiction, young people, including those too young to legally gamble, and other vulnerable groups; and
Whereas, Nationwide gambling addiction services have been experiencing increased demand, with the National Problem Gambling Helpline reporting that monthly call volumes increased by more than 52% in 2021; and
Whereas, Exposure to targeted and persistent advertisements makes it statistically more likely that an individual will engage in gambling, whether online or in person, and become addicted; and
Whereas, Advertisers today are capable of, and often do, micro-target their advertisements to hook new and existing customers onto their products; and
Whereas, These advertising techniques have often been used irresponsibly to encourage excessive gambling and inaccurate perceptions of risk; and
Whereas, The flood of these advertisements has been remarkably successful for sports betting companies and casinos, leading to record user numbers and profits; and
Whereas, Sports betting companies and casinos have pledged to continue increasing their record spending on the proliferation of pro-gambling advertisements in New Jersey and across the country, despite the known associated risks; and
Whereas, A continuation down this path is sure to further compromise the mental, emotional, and financial health of this States residents; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House condemns the overproliferation of pro-gambling advertisements in the State of New Jersey.
2. This House urges sports betting and gambling companies operating in the State of New Jersey to exercise restraint and good judgment as they engage in advertisements in the State.
3. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor, the Casino Control Commission, the Casino Association of New Jersey, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, and the American Gaming Association.
STATEMENT
Gambling has long been recognized as a potentially addictive activity that carries with it risks to individuals, their families, and their communities. In a time when online sports betting and gaming has made gambling accessible anywhere, the risks associated with gambling addiction are heightened.
As sports betting and gaming has become more accessible, national addiction service groups are seeing dramatic increases in calls to their hotlines. Yet, despite these known risks, many sports betting companies and casinos continue to invest heavily in advertisements that target those suffering from addiction, young people, including those who are not yet of a legal age to gamble, and other vulnerable groups. They also continue to use advertising techniques that irresponsibly encourage excessive gambling and inaccurately present the real risks.
The Senate therefore condemns the overproliferation of pro-gambling ads in New Jersey and urges sports betting companies and casinos to exercise restraint and good judgment when engaging in advertisements in the State.