Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/27/2018 -- With sports betting now legal in the Meadowlands of NJ and across the entire state of New Jersey, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is sharing its insight on the potential dangers of sports gambling and how an innocent betting habit can quickly turn into disordered gambling. Sports fans across the state should be aware of the risks of sports-related gambling, so if they or a loved one begin showing signs of disordered gambling, they can seek help as soon as possible.

After the United States Supreme Court eliminated the 1992 federal ban on sports gambling, states were free to permit it beginning in June 2018. With New Jersey on the forefront of this push for legislative change, the state was prepared to begin accepting sports bets quicker than most states. The excitement surrounding the ruling combined with the opening of new casinos in Atlantic City that accept sports betting has led to a substantial increase in gambling activities across the state.

With so many sports fans now placing wagers on their teams, gambling has reached a wide, new audience. This poses dangers for individuals and families across the state. "Not only are a large number of sports fans expected to begin gambling, but the fact that they will be able to do it online and via mobile devices creates the potential for gambling habits to form quickly," explained Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ.

If a person notices signs of disordered gambling, like placing large bets or routinely borrowing money, he or she should contact CCGNJ immediately at 800-GAMBLER or https://800Gambler.org/.

About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to helping individuals seek help for their disordered gambling problem, and for concerned friends and loved ones to confidentially express their concerns about someone close to them. Their 24/7 hotline is 800-GAMBLER. The Council also works to train professionals in the fields of gambling addiction and recovery.