In a recent survey conducted by the personal finance website WalletHub, New Jersey has been ranked as one of the most gambling-addicted states in the country. The survey looked at a variety of factors related to gambling addiction, including the number of casinos and racetracks per capita, the availability of gambling addiction help lines, and the percentage of adults with gambling disorders.
According to the survey, New Jersey ranks 4th overall in terms of gambling addiction, with a score of 56.39 out of 100. The state also ranks 2nd in terms of the number of casinos per capita, with 8.59 casinos for every 100,000 residents. This high number of casinos in the state may contribute to the prevalence of gambling addiction among its residents.
Furthermore, the survey found that New Jersey has the highest percentage of adults with gambling disorders in the country, with 7.89% of adults in the state reporting having a gambling disorder. This is well above the national average of 2.18%.
In response to these concerning statistics, the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling have launched a number of initiatives to help combat gambling addiction in the state. These initiatives include increasing funding for treatment programs, providing resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, and raising awareness about the dangers of problem gambling.
While gambling can be a fun and entertaining pastime for many, it is important for individuals to be aware of the warning signs of gambling addiction and seek help if they believe they may have a problem. By taking proactive measures to address this issue, New Jersey can work towards reducing the prevalence of gambling addiction in the state and ensuring that its residents are able to gamble responsibly.