New Jersey Senate Unanimously Votes To Address Student Gambling

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1715 was unanimously approved in both the Assembly and Senate before being forwarded to Governor Phil Murphy. Once signed, it will immediately require all public colleges, universities, and community colleges in the state to take proactive measures against compulsive gambling.

Institutions must invite the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at least once per semester, or more, if deemed necessary, to provide on-campus sessions detailing gambling risks, counseling services, and self-exclusion program options. Additionally, every public institution must display educational materials promoting responsible gambling and clearly post hotline and support information across athletic facilities, dorms, libraries, student centers, and online portals.

Why the Move Took Shape

Legislators behind AB A1715, primarily sponsored by Assemblywoman Garnet R. Hall and supported by a bipartisan group, highlight a growing concern: college-aged individuals are increasingly exposed to sportsbook and online casino advertising. With the legalization of online casinos and sports betting in New Jersey, campuses represent a front line in addressing early-stage problem gambling behavior.

Supporters argue that offering structured, scheduled awareness events and visible resources can prevent gambling from escalating into more serious issues. The bill’s amendments clarified campus engagement frequency and format rather than introducing strict regulatory ties to gambling operators.

Legislative Journey and Stakeholder Response

Introduced in January 2024, AB A1715 moved through legislative stages with unanimous approval—clearing the Assembly in March 2025 and the Senate in December by a 38–0 vote. Committee reviews shaped final amendments, emphasizing compulsory outreach and resource availability without binding partnerships to gambling vendors.

Campus groups and responsible-gambling advocates generally support the measure, citing the need for preventive education in environments increasingly saturated with wagering promotions. However, the law stops short of mandating gambling operators to fund or directly sponsor educational programs, keeping implementation logistics on the colleges themselves.

Anticipated Impact on Campuses

If endorsed by the governor, AB A1715 mandates that New Jersey’s public colleges set up recurring educational forums, distribute gambling-risk literature, and prominently display helpline information across campus spaces. Experts suggest that early exposure to these support frameworks can mitigate the development of compulsive gambling among vulnerable students.

This initiative also marks a broader advance within New Jersey’s regulatory landscape—making it possibly the first state to require higher educational institutions to formalize gambling addiction awareness as a core part of student support services. As gambling advertising becomes more embedded in youth culture, this policy aims to create a structured, proactive defense against addiction on campuses.