Gov. Phil Murphy on Jan. 9, 2026, signed legislation requiring New Jersey’s public colleges and universities to take a more active role in addressing gambling addiction among students, as concerns grow about the impact of legalized sports betting on young adults. The law, A1715/S3184, directs 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. Lawmakers framed the measure as an early-intervention effort aimed at students who may be exposed to gambling before fully understanding the risks.

The bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the Legislature, signaling broad bipartisan agreement that prevention efforts have lagged behind the rapid expansion of legal gambling in the state.

Standardized education across campuses

Under the law, institutions must provide sessions covering the warning signs of gambling addiction, available treatment resources, the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline and self-exclusion options. Colleges may offer additional programming, but the once-per-semester requirement establishes a consistent baseline statewide. Sen. Joseph Cryan, a prime sponsor, said the focus is on practical awareness rather than punishment. “We’re giving students real tools to spot problems early and get help fast,” he said.

Assemblywoman Garnet Hall, a co-sponsor, described the college years as a critical window for prevention. “These are formative years for students, and we can’t let hidden addictions derail their paths,” she said. The legislation comes as New Jersey’s gambling market continues to grow. Since the US Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, the state has become a national leader in wagering activity and gambling revenue, generating billions of dollars annually.

That growth has been accompanied by a sharp rise in addiction indicators. Calls to New Jersey’s gambling helpline increased 277% by 2025, according to state data, with callers under 30 accounting for the majority. Sen. John McKeon pointed to the trend as evidence of mounting pressure on younger residents. “This isn’t just policy; it’s about saving futures,” he said.

National research reflects similar risks. An NCAA survey conducted in 2023 found that 58% of individuals ages 18 to 22 had engaged in sports betting, with many reporting academic or financial problems. In New Jersey, a Rutgers University study estimated the state’s high-risk problem gambling rate at 5.6%, more than double the national average of roughly 2%.

Young men appear particularly vulnerable. A 2024 Fairleigh Dickinson University poll found that 10% of young men qualified as problem gamblers, a rate researchers linked to aggressive marketing by major sportsbook operators and the ease of mobile betting. Experts note that many students begin with small wagers that escalate quickly.

Task force recommendations shape policy

The bill reflects recommendations from the Responsible Gaming Task Force established by Murphy through Executive Order 360 in June 2024. The task force, composed of regulators, industry representatives and public health experts, issued a 109-page report in April 2025 identifying gaps in consumer protections.

Among its findings: men under 25 represent the fastest-growing group of online sports betting addicts, and problem gambling rates are disproportionately high among Black, Hispanic and low-income communities. The report called for expanded education, stronger self-exclusion systems and increased treatment funding. Murphy described the new law as a preventive measure rather than a reactive one. “By partnering experts with campuses, we’re not just reacting — we’re preventing harm,” he said.

Neva Pryor, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, said in-person outreach is critical. “Face-to-face discussions work better than any poster or email,” she said, noting that students are more likely to engage when education is embedded in campus life. Industry groups, including the American Gaming Association, have publicly supported responsible gambling education, though advocacy organizations continue to push for tighter limits on advertising that targets young adults.

By partnering experts with campuses, we’re not just reacting — we’re preventing harm.

Broader implications for gambling policy

New Jersey collected more than $500 million in gambling tax revenue in 2025, funding programs ranging from education to infrastructure. As revenue grows alongside addiction concerns, lawmakers have signaled openness to further reforms, including stronger monitoring of at-risk bettors and potential advertising restrictions.

Public colleges have already begun integrating the new requirement into existing health and wellness programs. Rutgers University and other institutions are aligning the sessions with broader screenings and counseling services, an approach officials hope will reduce both helpline calls and long-term harm. As legalized gambling continues to expand nationwide, New Jersey’s campus-focused approach highlights a central policy challenge: balancing economic gains with protections for students and other vulnerable populations.