With technology only advancing, it is becoming easier and easier to access gambling platforms. Because of this, the state of New Jersey has written up a bill to ensure high schools embed teaching on the risks of gambling in the curriculum.
Bill S-3666, which is currently making its way through Trenton, has been co-sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner, who has made her strong views known on the matter.
Turner pointed to numbers of teens gambling “dramatically” increasing due to “every child [having] a cell phone now.” Additionally, she further implied that “approximately 20 percent of teenagers have a gambling problem or are at risk of developing one,” and “they risk their futures” if those affected continue to go down this path instead of getting help.
While the bill in question won’t completely negate either underage gambling or gambling problems, it’s aiming to simply inform high school students about the dangers, how gambling probability works, and more.
If implemented correctly, it may reduce Turner’s aforementioned numbers dramatically, quelling gambling addiction before it takes hold of these impressionable young adults.
How has the Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Council responded?
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has voiced strong support for the legislation.
In a recent statement, the organization asserted that early education on the dangers of gambling would help prevent addiction, particularly amid pervasive gambling advertising and the ease of access provided by online platforms.
“The CCGNJ believes that educating students about compulsive gambling will help to prevent problem gambling, especially given the abundance of gambling opportunities and related advertising in our state,” the Council said.
If the bill passes, it will become effective immediately, with resources provided by the Commissioner of Education to assist schools in meeting the new instructional requirements.
The CCGNJ has pledged continued cooperation to reduce gambling problems among the state’s youth, with the state already cracking down on illegal sweepstakes casinos.
ReadWrite has reached out for comment from the CCGNJ for any further information on when the bill could be passed.
