New Jersey Lawmakers Consider Ban on Gambling Ads Near Educational Institutions
Lawmakers in New Jersey are currently evaluating a proposal that would ban gambling advertisements in the vicinity of schools and colleges. This initiative is part of a growing international effort to reduce youth exposure to gambling promotions, particularly among individuals under the legal gambling age of 21.
Proposed Legislation Aims to Combine Advertising Restrictions with Research
The legislation, which recently passed through the state Assembly, would empower the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to regulate the placement of gambling-related ads near educational institutions. The primary aim is to protect minors and college students from potential exposure to content that could lead to risky behavior.
This approach mirrors similar actions being taken in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, where there are increasing concerns about how gambling advertisements reach and influence underage or vulnerable individuals.
Importantly, the bill does not propose blanket restrictions without first assessing the situation thoroughly. Lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive study to identify specific messaging and terminology within gambling ads that may act as triggers for risky behavior. The goal is to determine which words or phrases are most likely to influence people to gamble impulsively.
In light of recent findings that link higher gambling ad exposure with increased gambling activity, the industry has already started reforming its advertising practices. In 2023, a new code of conduct was introduced mandating the removal of misleading terms such as “risk-free” and “free” from advertising materials. These phrases have come under fire from both courts and regulators for downplaying the real financial risks of gambling.
The proposed study will delve deeper into identifying additional problematic language used in gambling promotions. It also seeks to explore which types of messaging could most effectively encourage individuals facing gambling-related harm to seek support, register for self-exclusion programs, or access treatment services.
Beyond simply limiting exposure, the proposed legislation could also give the Division of Gaming Enforcement the authority to mandate the use of targeted, responsible wording in gambling ads. This dual approach aims to reduce the harm associated with gambling while promoting healthier choices and support services for those in need.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com