In a recently published report, commissioned by the New Jersey Division of Gambling Enforcement and conducted by Rutgers University, it was revealed that while sports betting was on the rise in New Jersey, there has been a slight decline in high-stakes problem gambling. Shedding light on the concerning issue, the report also revealed that the prevalence of high-risk problem gambling in the state is three times higher than in any other state.

The report, which was put together between December 2020 and April 2021, looks at fifteen different ways of gambling, including online casino games and in person casino games, buying lottery tickets, betting on sports or horses, and even spending money on fantasy sports. Things like playing bingo and trying risky trading were also taken into account as these things are also considered as a form of gambling.

Regarding the report, Attorney General (AG) Matthew Platkin, highlighted that they conducted a detailed examination of how prevalent gambling is in New Jersey. He noted that the report could be instrumental in solving the problems being faced by vulnerable groups. Additionally, it might serve as a catalyst for developing programs aimed at assisting them.

Lia Nower of Rutgers University’s School of Social Work, Center for Gambling Studies, added that the state wanted to learn as much as it could about gamblers’ activities to spot problems and offer help.

Speaking on the topic, Nower added, “New Jersey has led the nation in evaluating every bet placed online, and addressing the impact of wagering on its residents. This report provides evidence to guide prevention and education efforts for those at highest risk for gambling problems.”

In the Garden State, as per stats mentioned in the report, high-risk gambling rates declined from 6.3 per cent to 5.6 per cent in spite of the popularity of sports betting. Moderate and low-risk gambling also declined from 15 per cent to nearly 13 per cent. To address this, the state simplified self-exclusion, and appointed a coordinator for responsible gambling. In the past year, 61 per cent of residents gambled, which represent a decline of 7 per cent from the previous report. Sports betting increased to 19 per cent, online gambling tripled to 15 per cent, but in-person gambling slipped to 49 per cent. Buying lottery tickets remains the most popular type of gambling at 73 per cent, while instant scratch-offs decreased 5 per cent to settle at 59.1 per cent.