New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the launch of a new advertising campaign whose goal will be to increase public awareness about problem gambling and the various tools available to those in need of support.
The new campaign coincides with the Problem Gambling Awareness Month and March Madness, one of the most active periods for sports betting across the country.
The digital marketing campaign, which will be spearheaded by Marketshith, kicked-off with the start of this year’s March Madness, and will continue all the way through to Super Bowl LIX next year.
The AG’s office press release stated that the campaign will be funded with $300,000, with both the NJOAG and the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement directly involved.
The release read: “As we learn more and more about the effects of problem gambling, especially following the legalization of sports wagering, we have an obligation to provide resources and support to the public on responsible gaming. “
“This work starts with ensuring awareness of the many tools available to assist individuals who struggle with gambling, including comprehensive prevention strategies and treatment and recovery services. Our campaign will highlight the responsible gaming measures put in place within our office and available through our partners and stakeholders to assist those in need of help.”
RG Campaign to Promote Healthy Gambling Practices
The goal of the new marketing campaign, according to the Attorney General’s Office, is to pursue policies and practices that aim to promote gambling experiences while minimizing the risks.
The overall stance of the AG is that the legalization of igaming has moved gambling out of the shadows and is not a health problem for the majority of the population.
However, the National Council on Problem Gambling claims that one in every 100 Americans can be classified as a problem gambler, suggesting these individuals need to be supported.
With the igaming industry creating billions in revenue and paying millions in taxes, it is only fair that some of those funds be redistributed to help those most affected by problem gambling.
Platkin said: “It is incumbent upon us to provide stronger solutions for those who do struggle with gambling, whether that means through comprehensive prevention and support strategies, such as our responsible gaming initiatives, or stronger treatment and recovery services for problem gamblers.”
Awareness and RG Tools in Focus
The new responsible gambling campaign in New Jersey will aim to create awareness of problem gambling with the general public, as well as bring the attention to all the various responsible gambling tools NJ gamblers have at their disposal.
Among others, these tools include self-exclusion, deposit and bet limits, and other methods that are
available at all legal NJ betting and gambling sites in accordance with the provisions of their gaming licenses.
Despite the existence and widespread availability of these tools, many players remain unaware of them or not fully aware of their utility.
What’s even more, the campaign will aim to inform the general public of these tools, allowing them to help their loved ones who face gambling addiction.
Finally, the campaign will also inform the customers of unregulated igaming sites and the dangers of engaging with such operators.
The message of the campaign is “vet before you bet,” implying the user should always make sure that any site they are betting with is fully licensed by the NJDGE before making any deposits or placing any real money bets there.
