A Message from the Executive Director
As Human Losses Mount, Sports
Betting Companies Should Rein Themselves In
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The business side of sports betting is typically full of calculations about market share, customer acquisition cost and lifetime customer value, as it should be. But it’s important to remember that all those data points represent real people, and the vulnerabilities of those people—customers—warrant a closer look at a cautionary tale from across the pond.
Sports betting in Europe got a nearly two-decade head start on the US. It has expanded to the point that eight teams in England’s Premier League now have the logo of a sportsbook emblazoned on their shirts. England, along with much of western Europe, has finally recognized that the profits sportsbooks are reaping come with a devastating societal cost – the more betting, the more problem bettors, the more debt and, in too many cases, despair.
As this fallout reached a crisis point, England took steps to rein in gambling advertising, prohibiting sports advertising during games. London’s Mayor recently vowed to take the further step of removing gambling ads from the Underground.
If the numbers seem staggering, the human toll is heartbreaking. The Assembly hearing included the screening of a segment from HBO’s Real Sports entitled, “Show Me the Money,” to which the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ). The video included interviews with the mother and girlfriend of a 25-year-old man from England whose gambling debt drove him to commit suicide. It is, unfortunately, an all-too-common scenario, since disordered gambling’s suicide rate is 20%—the highest of any addiction.
CCGNJ’s 800-GAMBLER Helpline, which takes calls from problem gamblers, has seen a 141% increase in call-volume since 2018. The unsettling stories that have emerged include that of an 81-year-old woman whose phone solitaire habit led her to begin gambling. She ended up depleting her $400,000 nest egg and now must work a minimum-wage job. Another recent call came from a man who squandered his son’s college fund through online sports betting.
Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee Chairman Ralph Caputo, who endorses gambling as a source of revenue for the state, nonetheless characterized the volume of advertising as “obscene.” He is not alone among New Jersey lawmakers in taking issue with gambling ads. Senator Ray Lesniak, who placed the very first legal sports wager in the state, expressed dismay at the content of some gambling marketing. In an article on Sportshandle, the senator said, “I’ve actually made complaints to the DGE [Division of Gaming Enforcement] about some of the TV advertisements that I believe have been too enticing. I saw one that had someone putting a new pool in their backyard from winning on slots or something. Stuff like that. I think some of these advertisements have gone a little too far in promoting the big dream, the big win. We have the regulatory power, we just have to use it.”
Two legislators who generally view gambling as a plus for the state are clearly not blind to the costs that come with 24/7 access to betting apps, along with an endless stream of gambling ads. And as Sen. Lesniak said, they have the power to do something about it.
Sports betting companies and marketers should add another factor into their business calculations: How much is too much? Companies would do well to curtail their marketing bombardment. If they don’t, the government may decide for them by imposing advertising restrictions, much like those required for cigarette or alcohol commercials. Another approach would be to require warning labels at brick-and-mortar casinos and online betting sites. The CCGNJ presented these two concepts to the Assembly committee during the hearing this past May, and legislators were receptive to our recommendations. We are hopeful they will come to pass.
It’s hard to argue with the “obscene” label Chairman Caputo applied to the volume of gambling ads now running. If the industry truly wants to avoid what’s happened in the UK, it will go a step further on its own. Although it may seem an unrealistic scenario, sports betting companies would do well to take the lead in curtailing their marketing bombardment. Self-regulation is usually more palatable than that enforced by external groups. Companies understandably have a hard time pulling back when there’s money at stake, but one way or another, either with self-imposed limits or those imposed through regulation, curbing the excess of gambling marketing is in everyone’s best interest.
This opinion appears with the permission of Sportico, where it was first published. Sportico is an online publication that covers sports business; to learn more, visit www.Sportico.com
Felicia Grondin, MPA, CPM
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State Legislature Hears Compelling Testimony
for Gambling Diversion Court Pilot Program;
Judge Endorses CCGNJ as Vital Resource
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The Assembly Judiciary Committee closed September with an informational hearing on a bill (A-420) to create a Gambling Treatment Diversion Court Pilot Program. During the September 29 session, testimony from expert witnesses included a remote appearance by retired Judge Cheryl Moss of Nevada, an advocate who established the country’s first gambling diversion court to facilitate treatment for people who commit crimes due to a gambling disorder.
Judge Moss (pictured), appearing from Nevada via Zoom, was joined by several in-person witnesses to make the fiscal and human case for establishing diversion courts. Moss and others said that court referrals of non-violent offenders to treatment would cost the state considerably less than incarceration and afford participants the chance to make restitution and reclaim their lives. The judge added that the courts should by no means be regarded as “a get out of jail free card,’’ as participants must adhere to a quite rigorous regimen.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which is named in the proposed bill, also provided testimony at the hearing. CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin endorsed the measure, which would advance CCGNJ’s guiding principle that disordered gambling is a treatable condition from which people can and do recover. CCGNJ requested several amendments to ensure that gambling diversion court participants would benefit from the Council’s nearly 40 years of helping people access services and treatment.
Judge Moss’s testimony noted the proliferation of gambling in Nevada, New Jersey and elsewhere, largely due to online betting and sports books. She said “gambling is everywhere” and its expansion is a potential “public harm.” The increase of problem gambler crime in Nevada some years ago prompted the Judge Moss to create her groundbreaking diversion court.
Ms. Grondin in her testimony said the state is on the cusp of a dramatic increase in crime related to problem gambling due to the overall increase in gambling. She said, “Our criminal justice system has already or will soon experience a rise in caseload and our prisons an increase in population. By establishing a treatment diversion court program, our courts and correctional facilities will be provided with some degree of relief, but more importantly, the disordered gambler will have a chance to address their disease and recover - a much more effective and less expensive approach to addressing those with a gambling disorder who may be inclined to commit crimes.” To illustrate the recent years’ surge in gambling, Ms. Grondin cited the state’s total gaming revenue for 2021: $4.74 billion, an increase of 64 percent over the previous year.
In addressing the question of cost, Judge Moss stressed that the proposal would not require the hiring of more judges as sitting judges presiding over specialty courts, such as substance use recovery courts, would assume the new role. She recalled starting the program in Nevada without any funding the first year, adding gambler-related crimes to her docket.
Ms. Grondin reinforced the message that the specialty courts are both more effective and less expensive than imprisonment. The state spends approximately $61,000 a year to incarcerate someone. While the cost of the courts has yet to be calculated, it would come nowhere near the amount of imprisonment. New Jersey’s recovery courts (formerly known as drug courts) illustrate how the specialty court model benefits society and individuals alike by promoting recovery from an addiction.
Judge Moss praised CCGNJ as a tremendous asset for people with a gambling problem and said the diversion court pilot would greatly benefit from the Council’s inclusion. The judge described the Council as “a one-stop shop” that provides treatment referrals, Gambler’s Anonymous Meeting schedule and other supports.
The legislation’s prime sponsor in the Assembly is Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, chairman of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee. In May, that committee was briefed by Ms. Grondin on the dramatic increase in gambling in the state in recent years due to online and sport sports betting.
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Responsible Gaming Education Observance
Unveils Resources amid Problem Gambling Uptick
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The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) promotes responsible gambling year-round and marked September as Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). As part of this observance, the CCGNJ welcomed the announcement of a new edition of the Responsible Gaming Statutes and Regulations Guide issued by American Gaming Association (AGA). CCGNJ notes that the Guide and similar resources are needed now more than ever in view of the surge in gambling in recent years due to online and legalized sports betting.
Responsible gambling and responsible gaming initiatives aim to keep people from gambling more than they can afford. Online gamblers and those making sports wagers are particularly vulnerable because of the ease of access to gambling apps on their phones.
CCGNJ’s responsible gambling initiatives includes hosting a quarterly Responsible Gambling Working Group. The most recent RGWG meeting took place on September 13 and featured a presentation by Georgette Packer of Bally’s Interactive on Gamban. This software allows online problem gamblers to block themselves from accessing online gambling sites.
AGA’s new edition of the RGEM guide is the first since 2019, since which time 16 states have legalized sports betting, two states have legalized land-based casinos, and two have legalized iGaming. The CCGNJ has monitored the increase in gambling with the advent of online and legalized sports betting, which includes a 237 percent spike in calls to the 800-GAMBLER Helpline between FY 2019 and FY2022.
AGA Vice President of Strategic Communications and Responsibility Cait DeBaun said, “Our industry’s focus on responsibility has only grown with the expansion of legal gambling. “RGEM 2022 provides an extended opportunity to highlight our industry’s responsible leadership while continuing to strengthen player and employee education. We are thrilled for the entire U.S. gaming community to join us throughout September.”
An ongoing initiative that AGA unveiled in September was a 12-Point Plan, which included input from Bally’s Corporation, Bet MGM, DraftKings, Etain, MGM, Resorts International and FanDuel. The Plan’s goals include: only participating in legal markets that provide consumer protection; instilling a responsible gaming culture with their own businesses; ensuring that the companies strive to make online gaming fun first and foremost; and acknowledging that some individuals need additional tools and support related to their gaming activities.
Robeson Reeves, president of Interactive at Bally’s Corporation, said, “Bally’s is proud to partner with all of the participating operators. We are committed to the 12-point pledge and it’s Bally’s and the industry’s responsibility to prevent underage gaming and provide education and safeguards.”
DraftKings Sportsbook has introduced a responsible gaming feature on its app. It encourages betters to have a plan before they start betting, which includes capping the amount one bets and setting time limits.
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CCGNJ's 40th Statewide Conference Balances
Research with Personal Recovery Stories
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The staff of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is joined by Board President Fred Hogan (center, seated) at the Council's 40th Statewide Conference on Disordered Gambling.
Below right: CCGNJ's Joe Kane (at right) presents the Phillip Glick Award for Excellence to Lenny Brazer.
Bottom photo: Voices of Recovery Panelists (from left) Gloria B., Stephen Block, Arnie Wexler and Sheila Wexler.
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The Council on Compulsive Gambling on New Jersey (CCGNJ) held its 40th Statewide Conference on September 23, its first in-person event in three years. The two-year interruption of in-person events due to COVID did not produce a single misstep in the conference, as the keynote, three plenary sessions and two award presentations were very well received in a program that went like clockwork.
CCGNJ Board President Fred Hogan welcomed attendees and credited the Council staff for putting together a program that would live up to the day’s theme of empowering by informing and offered a tremendous opportunity for networking. Mr. Hogan also announced that on June 9, 2023, the Council will hold a gala honoring Arnie Wexler for his decades of dedication to helping problem gamblers and confronting stigma.
Felicia Grondin, CCGNJ Executive Director, remarked that the day’s theme of Be Informed – Be Empowered originated in the March observance of Program Gambling Awareness Month, which has been advanced throughout the year. Ms. Grondin said empowerment through knowledge captures the Council’s mission, which includes educating the public on gambling issues, advocacy, and, most importantly, providing support to those with a gambling problem. She thanked the day’s sponsors: The State of New Jersey, the New Jersey Lottery, Algamus, 1SEO, BetMGM, Francis Gizzi, Townsquare Media (101.5) and Caeser’s Entertainment.
The day’s keynote was delivered by Dr. Michelle Malkin, assistant professor of the Department of Criminal Justice at Eastern Carolina University. Her talk joined her personal experience with her academic background and examined gambling-related crime and its fallout. The first half of her presentation covered her gambling history, including having served nearly a year in federal prison for crimes related to her gambling problem. She described the obstacles that come with a criminal record, which impact many facets of life from housing, employment, education and more.
Dr. Malkin persevered after her release from prison and ultimately returned to her studies and completed her doctorate. She has dedicated her career to teaching and research about problem gambling, while also confronting stigma that hinders the recovery of many in recovery from disordered gambling. She displayed several slides with brain imaging to illustrate how addiction changes the brain. Those changes, she said, explain why the individual with a gambling disorder cannot simply stop gambling.
The second plenary featured two experts from the Rutgers School of Social Work, Dr. Wen Li Anthony and Jackie Stanmyre. Their plenary centered on “The Nuance of Mindfulness: Gambling Treatment Implications.” Mindfulness, of course, plays an important role in all aspects of life. Ms. Stanmyre said that the greater the mindfulness – the more we are in the present – the less the chance we have for engaging in addictive behavior.
During lunch two awards were presented, one of which was tinged with sadness as it honored Philp Glick, a beloved and respected CCGNJ staff member who passed away in August. CCGNJ staff member Joe Kane remembered Phil for his dedication and commitment to helping the problem gambler and presented an “Excellence in Treatment” Award to Lenny Brazer, who has been one of CCGNJ’s treatment providers for many years. Phil’s widow, Kristen, attended the ceremony and expressed her thanks to the Council for allowing her husband to find his calling in educating the public about problem gambling and helping many people enter recovery.
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Recovery is something the next award presenter, Mr. Wexler, knows a great deal about. A former executive director of the CCGNJ, Mr. Wexler recognized Rick Benson and Algamus for “Excellence as a Treatment Provider”. Algamus, which Mr. Benson established 30 years ago, is known as the gold standard among gambling programs and is one of the few providers offering residential gambling treatment.
Following lunch, Ken Litwak, executive director, Gambling, Education and Community Relations at John Brooks Recovery Center, spoke on “Getting to Current Thinking on Gambling and Trauma.” His talk traced the evolution of trauma and its impact on problem gamblers.
For years, the link between gambling and trauma was tenuous, but in recent years the connection has been examined in much greater depth, Mr. Litwak said. He provided statistics showing the high incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and problem gambling. While 8 percent of the general population has PTSD, PTSD in problem gamblers ranges from 7 percent to as high as 56 percent.
Troubling findings about problem gamblers include a higher rate of committing child abuse and spousal abuse. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) have a high correlation with problem gambling: three in four problem gamblers report at least one type of ACE, a 2017 study showed.
The program closed with a panel discussion entitled “Problem Gambling: Voices of Recovery” where Arnie and Sheila Wexler, Stephen Block and Gloria B. shared their perspectives about problem gambling and decades of experience with recovery.
Ms. B, a long-time member of Gam-Anon, opened by recounting her experience with her husband’s gambling problem and its impact on her. Before she found Gam-Anon, she felt guilt and shame. Gam-Anon helped her understand that she was not responsible for her husband’s problem gambling, nor could she cure it.
Mr. Wexler is celebrating 55 years of recovery from a gambling addiction that was so consuming that he, by his own admission, had lost interest in his wife, and even telling her to call his brother to go to the hospital when she miscarried so he could go to the racetrack.
His wife, Sheila, recalled being embarrassed and broken, isolating herself until Arnie finally went to Gamblers Anonymous and managed to connect her with Gam Anon so she could heal herself after harboring anger and resentment towards her husband for years. Only when someone suggested that she divorce him did her attitude turn. As is the case with addictions overall, the fact that she was not the gambler did not mean that she wasn’t suffering alongside him.
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CCGNJ and New Jersey Lottery Pair Up
in "Not 18 Yet? No Bet" Campaign Video
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The New Jersey Lottery and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) have partnered in the development of a video conversation as part of the Lottery’s annual “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” Awareness Campaign. The campaign, which ran throughout September, reminds residents and retailers that New Jersey law prohibits the sale of lottery tickets by or to anyone under the age of 18. The video was disseminated to media outlets throughout New Jersey and is available for viewing on the “Responsible Play” page of the Lottery’s website.
In the video, New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey and CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin (pictured above) discuss the “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” Awareness Campaign and the importance of preventing underage gambling of any kind. They remind parents to be careful not to involve underage children in their lottery and other gaming activities. As well, in this video, information is provided about behaviors to look out for that could indicate someone under the age of 18 is engaged in gambling activity and could be developing a problem. There are details regarding where parents and other concerned individuals can go to obtain information and support regarding suspected gambling-related problems of any kind. The conversation addresses the Lottery’s enhanced efforts during the campaign to educate about the law and reinforce the importance of preventing gambling activity among minors.
“Discouraging underage gambling is a part of our everyday practice at the Lottery,” said Executive Director Carey. “Since students returning to school may have money available for lunch, school supplies, and more, September is an appropriate time to highlight the law that prohibits anyone under 18 from playing the lottery. The support of the Council for our ‘Not 18 Yet? No Bet’ Awareness Campaign is invaluable and I thank Executive Director Grondin for participating in this video.”
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is central to awareness about underage gambling and provides information education, and referral services for people affected by a gambling problem, either themselves or that of a loved one. While the Council neither endorses nor opposes legalized gambling, it does oppose all forms of illegal gambling, especially when engaged in by children and teens.
“The matter of underage gambling is a very important issue to us at the Council,” said Executive Director Grondin. “With the proliferation of a variety of gambling opportunities and related advertising, gambling has become much more socially acceptable and commonplace. Children and teens witness gambling activities and are exposed to gambling opportunities every day, so it is more important than ever to urge parents and other adults to discourage underage gambling of any kind.”
Unlike drugs and alcohol problems, a gambling disorder is not always easily recognizable and is known as the hidden addiction. A possible gambling problem in a minor affects the lives of that individual and those close to them. It is never too early – or too late – to get advice and assistance. If you or someone you know has a concern about a potential gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER for support and advice.
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CCGNJ Mourns Phil Glick, Who Found
his Calling in Helping Problem Gamblers
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The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ (CCGNJ) was deeply saddened with the recent passing of Philip Glick, who was a tremendous asset to the CCGNJ staff and to many callers to the 800-GAMBLER Helpline. The Council established an award in Phil’s honor to recognize excellence in assisting the problem gambler, the first of which was presented to Lenny Brazer at CCGNJ’s recent statewide conference.
Phil worked with the Council as a Peer Recovery Specialist for the past year and over that time made a lasting impression on both staff and countless problem gamblers he assisted. His warmth and boundless compassion for the problem gambler earned the admiration of his colleagues. His co-workers singled him out for how he carefully listened to those who called for assistance; he allowed the caller to open up about the issue and how it was affecting them and their family. Being in recovery from disordered gambling himself, Phil commiserated with callers and connected them with the resources best suited to their circumstances.
In his year with the Council, Phil made many presentations about the growing gambling problem in the state, increasing awareness among age groups ranging from middle-schoolers to seniors. Among his achievements was being selected for a television feature on problem gambling, where Phil discussed the increase of problem gambling with the advent of online gambling and legalized sports betting, which was very well received.
CCGNJ offers its heartfelt condolences to Phil’s widow, Kristen, and his two daughters, Kaitlin and Allison. He will be greatly missed.
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Individual and Corporate Affiliate Members
Sought to Help Further CCGNJ's Mission
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The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) is inviting individuals and corporations across the state to become affiliate members and join in the Council’s mission to educate the public about problem gambling and promote understanding that problem and disordered gambling is a treatable condition. Affiliate members will help the Council confront New Jersey’s growing gambling problem by supporting the 1-800-GAMBLER® Helpline and website www.800gambler.org, which have been resources for thousands of people who are problem gamblers and those recovering from problem and disordered gambling, as well as for their friends and families.
Whatever level is chosen, your membership will help further CCGNJ’s work as more and more New Jersey residents are seeing their savings, their families and their lives threatened by a gambling problem. With the advent of online gambling and sports books, New Jersey has seen a significant surge in problem gambling, making CCGNJ’s mission all the more critical. Members' tax deductible donations will assist the Council as it confronts this growing problem.
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CCGNJ is Hiring - Join a Great Team |
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The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) is growing to meet the increasing need to confront problem gambling in the state. CCGNJ is looking for committed, passionate individuals to help prevent and address this worsening problem. The Council is a statewide non-profit organization that provides information, education and referral services for problem and disordered gambling and advocates for the problem gambler and their loved ones. CCGNJ is approaching its 40th year as a leader in the field of problem gambling.
CCGNJ needs to fill the following positions (complete job descriptions are available at the link below):
Peer Gambling Recovery Specialist (FT): Will serve as a coach to model recovery from problem gambling; provide peer support for people in recovery from a gambling problem; and provide support to the 800-GAMBLER Helpline.
Problem Gambling Prevention Specialist (FT): Present workshops, seminars, and conferences on problem gambling to youth, seniors, at-risk populations, faith-based groups, and others; plan and implement prevention, outreach and educational programs related to problem gambling among at-risk populations; and coordinate with community organizations, faith communities, health entities and others to increase awareness and engage on problem gambling.
Education Specialist (PT): Assist Treatment & Prevention Administrator with implementing, coordinating, and managing prevention programs; conduct out-reach efforts in bringing awareness of resources available to the community via CCGNJ addressing risky behaviors among youth and other at-risk populations.
If you want to join a great team doing the important work of helping to address the state’s growing gambling problem, please go to: https://800gambler.org/careers
If you have any questions, please contact Alice Ostapiuk at 609-588-5515 ext. 113 or alice@800gambler.org
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Book a Presentation for Your Group or Workplace
Would you like for the CCGNJ to visit your facility or group to discuss gambling and related disorders? Presentations can be provided in person or via Zoom. Please contact Luis Del Orbe, Prevention & Treatment Administrator, at 609-588-5515 (ext 110) or luis@800gambler.org to schedule a date.
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