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Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Jan. 9, 2026, directing public colleges and universities in New Jersey to take a more active role in addressing gambling addiction among students.
The bill, A1715/S3184, requires public universities and community colleges to host at least one educational session per semester led by experts from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. As sports betting continues to expand statewide, lawmakers say the measure is designed to give students practical tools to recognize risks and seek help early.
Supporters of the legislation argue that young adults often place bets without fully understanding the potential consequences. Sen. Joseph Cryan, a prime sponsor, said the bill focuses on early intervention. “We’re giving students real tools to spot problems early and get help fast,” he said. The measure passed unanimously in both legislative chambers.
What the law requires from New Jersey colleges
Under the new law, colleges must host sessions in which council representatives educate students on signs of gambling addiction, available helplines and self-exclusion options. Schools may offer additional programming, but the once-per-semester requirement establishes a consistent baseline across campuses.
Assemblywoman Garnet Hall, a co-sponsor, emphasized the long-term impact. “These are formative years for students, and we can’t let hidden addictions derail their paths,” she said. Sen. John McKeon noted that since online gambling expanded in 2018, calls to the state’s gambling helpline have surged. “This isn’t just policy; it’s about saving futures,” he said.
College-age gamblers drive surge in helpline calls
New Jersey’s gambling market has grown rapidly since the US Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018. The state now generates billions of dollars in wagers annually and leads the nation in gambling revenue.
That growth has coincided with rising addiction concerns. The state’s gambling helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, reported a 277% increase in calls by 2025, with callers under age 30 making up the majority.
National data highlight the vulnerability of college-age adults. An NCAA survey conducted in 2023 found that 58% of individuals ages 18 to 22 had engaged in sports betting, often reporting financial or academic difficulties. In New Jersey, a Rutgers University study estimated the high-risk problem gambling rate at 5.6%, exceeding the national average of about 2%.
Young men face heightened risk. A 2024 Fairleigh Dickinson University poll found that 10% of young men qualified as problem gamblers. Researchers attribute the trend in part to aggressive marketing by companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which heavily promote betting through social media and sports broadcasts. Many students begin with small wagers but escalate quickly due to easy mobile access.
NJ task force flags gaps in gambling protections
The legislation grew out of recommendations from the Responsible Gaming Task Force, created by Murphy through Executive Order 360 in June 2024. The task force — made up of state officials, industry representatives and public health experts — released a 109-page report in April 2025 outlining gaps in consumer protections and proposing reforms.
Among its recommendations were expanded educational initiatives, unified self-exclusion lists across all gambling platforms, increased funding for treatment and stronger oversight of unlicensed operators. The report found that young men under 25 represent the fastest-growing demographic for online sports betting addiction and warned that New Jersey’s problem gambling rates are especially high among Black, Hispanic and low-income communities.
Officials say education is key to curbing addiction
Murphy praised the bill as a preventive safeguard. “By partnering experts with campuses, we’re not just reacting — we’re preventing harm,” he said. Acting Secretary of Higher Education Angela Bethea echoed that sentiment, noting that online betting disproportionately targets young adults.
Neva Pryor, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, said in-person education is especially effective. “Face-to-face discussions work better than any poster or email,” she said. Industry groups, including the American Gaming Association, have expressed support for responsible gambling education, though advocates continue to push for tighter restrictions on advertising aimed at younger audiences.
New law could lead to broader gambling reforms
New Jersey collected more than $500 million in gambling tax revenue in 2025, funding a range of public services. As addiction concerns grow alongside revenue, the new law could prompt additional measures, such as enhanced monitoring of at-risk bettors or limits on advertising.
Colleges are already preparing to integrate the required sessions into existing student health programs. Institutions such as Rutgers University have begun aligning the effort with broader wellness screenings, and early indicators suggest the approach could reduce helpline calls and problem gambling rates.
Prevention takes center stage as gambling grows
New Jersey’s approach may serve as a model for other states grappling with the rapid expansion of legalized betting. By prioritizing prevention and education, the state underscores a central challenge of the modern gambling economy: balancing economic growth with the responsibility to protect students and other vulnerable populations.
