ASSEMBLY TOURISM, GAMING AND THE ARTS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1715

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 13, 2025

      The Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1715.

      As amended by the committee, this bill requires a public institution of higher education that participates in a sports wagering partnership with a sports wagering operator or intermediary to establish a gambling addiction prevention program.  The program would provide students with educational materials that promote responsible gambling behavior.  The institution will also be required to provide students with information on a hotline for individuals with a gambling problem.

      As amended by the committee, the bill would also require that, at least once per semester, and as often as the institution determines to be appropriate, the institution must invite and facilitate the presence of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on the institution’s campus for the purpose of providing information and resources relevant to compulsive gambling which must include, but need not be limited to, information regarding the potential risks associated with gambling, compulsive gambling counseling services, and options for gambling self-exclusion programs.

      This bill defines a “sports wagering partnership” as a partnership or contractual agreement between a company that advertises, promotes, or sponsors sports gambling and an institution of higher education, including an athletic department or a booster club.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The amendments require that, at least once per semester, and as often as the institution determines to be appropriate, the institution must invite and facilitate the presence of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on the institution’s campus for the purpose of providing information and resources relevant to compulsive gambling which must include, but need not be limited to, information regarding the potential risks associated with gambling, compulsive gambling counseling services, and options for gambling self-exclusion programs.