A recent study from The College of New Jersey and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey reveals alarming trends in youth gambling. Over three-quarters of young adults surveyed in New Jersey reported being introduced to gambling between ages 6 and 16, with a third exposed before age 11. Family gambling traditions, such as lottery scratch-offs or racetrack visits, were common introductions. About 60% of respondents currently gamble, with nearly half gambling weekly and over 20% gambling three to four times weekly. Since legalizing sports betting in 2018, calls to the CCGNJ helpline have surged, particularly from young adults aged 18-34, reflecting a normalization of gambling in New Jersey’s culture. The council is advocating legislation for schools to educate students about the risks of compulsive gambling.
NJ Study: Are we Creating a Gambling Problem for our Kids?
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