New Jersey to require public colleges to host gambling awareness sessions

Public institutions of higher education in New Jersey are now required to host the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) on their campuses at least once per semester, following the enactment of Assembly Bill 1715/Senate Bill 3184 signed by Governor Phil Murphy.

The law, which applies to all public colleges, universities, and community colleges in the state, mandates that these institutions invite and facilitate the presence of the CCGNJ to provide students with access to information on the risks of gambling, support resources, and compulsive gambling counseling services. 

Students will also be informed about self-exclusion programs and other available tools to manage or prevent gambling harm.

“Today’s signing demonstrates our continued commitment to promoting responsible gaming and supporting the well-being of students across New Jersey,” said Murphy. “By connecting campus communities with expert resources, we’re taking proactive steps to address gambling-related harm before it takes root.”

The CCGNJ, which operates the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, is a nonprofit organization focused on public education, professional training, and connecting individuals and families affected by gambling disorders with treatment programs.

The legislation passed both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature unanimously. Its primary sponsors include Senators Joseph Cryan and John McKeon, and Assemblywoman Garnet Hall.

Senator Cryan, who chairs the Senate Higher Education Committee, said: “The proliferation of sports betting by college students is a troubling trend that can have a destructive impact on their lives.

“Research shows that young people are especially vulnerable to compulsive gambling and can have a difficult time breaking the habit once it becomes ingrained. Our state schools have a responsibility to act to protect them from the negative influences that promote the practice.”

“Since the expansion of online gaming and sports betting, we’ve seen a troubling rise in problem gambling, especially among inexperienced young adults on college campuses,” said Senator McKeon. “This legislation takes a preventative approach by ensuring that students have direct access to data-driven information and resources from the Council on Compulsive Gambling throughout their college careers, helping to educate them before they are negatively impacted.”

“College should be a time of opportunity, not silent struggle,” said Assemblywoman Hall. “This law connects students with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, giving them access to education and support services that can make a real difference in their well-being.”

Angela Bethea, Acting Secretary of Higher Education, noted the impact of online sports betting on student well-being. “Sports have long been a way for people to connect and form community, but the rapid growth in online sports betting is having a deleterious effect on the well-being of our young adults,” she said.

Governor Murphy’s signing of the bill comes ahead of his departure from office on January 20.