Despite the positive impact of sports betting on job creation and revenue generation in the state, there exists a dark underbelly that cannot be ignored.

The surge in online sports betting has indeed brought in substantial revenue for New Jersey, but it has also sparked concerns regarding gambling addiction and the potential financial strain on Atlantic City’s casinos, which heavily rely on in-person gamblers, sportsbooks, and treatment for problem gambling, as testified by industry workers.

A hearing conducted by the state Legislature aimed to analyze the repercussions of online sports betting, an arena in which New Jersey holds a prominent position. Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that overturned a ban on sports betting in most states, the industry has expanded rapidly with 38 states now permitting it.

Testimonies presented a mix of praise for the economic benefits of the industry alongside apprehensions about its detrimental consequences.

Warning about the ease of losing substantial sums within minutes through online platforms, Felicia Grondin from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey emphasized the potential risks associated with such gambling practices.

While more than 90% of sports betting in New Jersey occurs online, Jeremy Kudon, representing the Sports Betting Alliance, highlighted the economic prosperity and job opportunities that the online sports betting sector has ushered into the state. The alliance, comprising major companies like FanDuel and DraftKings, dominates New Jersey’s sports betting market.

Despite the financial gains, concerns were raised about the negative impacts of online sports betting, including addiction and the well-being of casino workers. Legislation is being considered to address issues such as bets on college athlete performances to prevent harassment. Measures to promote responsible gambling and protect vulnerable individuals are being stressed in light of the industry’s rapid growth.