New Jersey lawmakers have cleared legislation that would require public colleges and universities to provide ongoing education and resources aimed at preventing compulsive gambling among students. Both chambers of the legislature approved the measure unanimously, sending it to Governor Phil Murphy for consideration, where it would take effect immediately if signed.
Assembly Bill A1715 directs state universities, colleges, and community colleges to host the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on campus at least once per semester. The nonprofit organization, which operates the national 1-800-GAMBLER hotline, would deliver information on gambling risks, counseling services, and self-exclusion options for individuals seeking support.
The bill passed the Assembly by a 77-0 vote in March and cleared the Senate 38-0 on Dec. 18. Because senators adopted the measure without changes, it does not require a return vote in the Assembly. Lawmakers carried the bill over from the 2023 session.
Broader Scope Than Earlier Versions
Earlier drafts of the legislation focused on colleges that maintained partnerships with sports betting operators or related intermediaries. That limitation no longer appears in the current version. Instead, the requirement applies to all public higher education institutions across the state.
The shift reflects changes in state policy and the wider landscape around college sports betting. While partnerships between sportsbooks and universities spread earlier in the decade, the state moved away from that approach. In July 2025, Murphy signed legislation banning colleges and universities from entering into sportsbook partnership agreements.
Youth Gambling Data Shapes Debate
Lawmakers considered the bill against a backdrop of data showing significant online gambling activity among young adults. Research from the Rutgers Center for Gambling Studies found that one-third of gamblers ages 18 to 24 gambled exclusively online, nearly five times the level recorded in a prior survey. The report also found that about 19% of respondents in that age group faced a high risk of problem gambling.
“It’s great that there’s legislation that’s advocating for gambling addiction prevention programs at colleges and universities in the state of New Jersey, but what concerned us was the inclusion of sports-wagering partnerships at those institutions,” said Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.
Grondin emphasized early intervention, noting that some students remain under the legal gambling age. “Since the onset of sports betting in 2018, calls to our 800-Gambler helpline from individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, they’ve doubled,” said Grondin. “And that indicates that more and more young people are developing a gambling problem at an early age.,”
Requirements and Ongoing Questions
Under the bill, colleges must provide education materials promoting responsible gambling and post hotline information across campus locations, including dormitories, libraries, student centers, and sports facilities. Some experts question whether a hotline alone will effectively reach students.
Others remain critical of any relationship between universities and gambling companies. “I find the whole notion that a university is in partnership with a sports gambling company is reprehensible,” said Andrew Zimbalist, an economics professor at Smith College.
The legislation advances as New Jersey continues to adjust its gambling framework, including advertising restrictions, limits on certain betting products, and expanded monitoring of online gambling behavior.
Source:
“New Jersey approves on-campus compulsive gambling education bill”, sbcamericas.com. December 23, 2025
The post New Jersey Lawmakers Advance Campus Gambling Education Plan first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.