New Jersey’s estimated 190,624(2.8%) adults believed to presently have signs of a gambling problem contribute to the $5.81 billion (6th nationally) in gambling revenue. As of 2012 that revenue came from 26,883 electronic machines, 12 Indian Casinos, its commercial casinos, a state lottery, pari-mutual wagering and of course charity gambling.
A2578 was enacted in 1983 and designated how gambling fines, and other revenue would be spent to help with problem gambling. In 2013 that amount was $850,000 and it was all designated to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. A new bill was passed in February of 2013 as well which added internet gambling revenue which added $140,000 per license to the CCGNJ of which $110,000 was designated specifically for problem gambling.
In 2013 New Jersey spent 10 cents per capita (29th nationally) on problem gambling services. These services include The New Jersey Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-Gambler). The hotline received 1,553 calls in 2012 with help from a company called Bensinger Dupont to keep the line open 24/7 365 days a year.
*CCGNJ is a non-profit affiliate of the NCPG for the state of New Jersey.
