TRENTON (March 11, 2025) – Legalized gambling should be an entertainment activity that allows players to fit experiences into their disposable-income budget. For some players, regardless of the method in which they participate, gambling can become an addiction. To that end, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has proclaimed March Problem Gambling Awareness Month. In response, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey has joined forces with the New Jersey Lottery to drive the campaign “The Hidden Epidemic: A Public Health Concern.”

The Council on Compulsive Gambling has reported that calls to its 800-GAMBLER helpline overall have increased nearly fourfold since 2018. The CCGNJ builds awareness among Garden State residents about disordered gambling and helps those with gambling disorders find the resources they need to recover.

Problem gambling is often a “hidden addiction.” Unlike individuals that struggle with substance use disorders, problem gamblers don’t typically show obvious physical signs or symptoms. Additionally, they often refuse to seek help out due to perceptions of shame. Shining a light on this problem is imperative: Nearly 30% of high-risk problem gamblers told a variety of researchers that they had suicidal thoughts while 20% said they had attempted suicide.

“By no means are we opposed to gambling,” said CCGNJ executive director Luis del Orbe. “We want people to enjoy the activity in whatever form they desire. We just want to make sure people are able to know when they’ve reached their limit and know to stop when it’s no longer fun. There is no shame in asking for help”

For its part, the New Jersey Lottery is certified by the World Lottery Association (WLA), the leading organization in promoting responsible gaming practices across lotteries, at the highest level achievable, level 4.

“We don’t just talk about responsible gambling practices in March. We think about it every single day,” New Jersey Lottery Executive Direction James Carey said. “It is in all of our interest that New Jersey residents play responsibly and that they know when and where to get help.”

Indeed, the Lottery’s commitment protects the public and ensures that revenues are sustained for the public good. Responsible gaming recertification occurs every three years and organizations must show continuous improvement in the responsible gaming program. Key results of these practices at the Lottery include:

• Hosting a Positive Play Quiz on the Lottery website. The Positive Play Quiz assesses gambling beliefs and behaviors to see if players are creating a sustainable environment and positive gambling experience for players.
• Conducting interviews with the public to highlight healthy gambling practices while gauging where gaps in education exist.
• Participating since 1999 on the CCGNJ’s Board of Directors.
• Ensuring the CCGNJ’s 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number is printed on all Lottery tickets, brochures and that retail signage and is featured as a tag line on all Lottery radio and television advertisements. The Lottery’s website directs visitors to the CCGNJ’s site, where members of the public can obtain free information and help with problem gambling.
• Providing responsible gambling messaging that adheres to industry best practices. There are four responsible gambling advertisements published quarterly: “Not 18 Yet? No Bet,” “Gift Responsibly,” “Dream Big. Play Responsibly,” and “Pool Rules.”

More About the New Jersey Lottery and the CCGNJ

Since its inception in 1970, the Lottery has contributed nearly $33.7 billion to the state of New Jersey, helping to support many worthwhile programs and services. Lottery profits currently help bolster the public employee pension system under a 30-year agreement signed into law in 2017. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a private, non-profit organization focused on spreading awareness of disordered gambling and helping those with a gambling disorder and their concerned family and friends find the help resources they need to recover.