Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2018 -- As legislative developments continue to impact how Americans gamble, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) spreads awareness of how such laws can affect the rate of disordered gambling. With an awareness of how disordered gambling arises, lawmakers may set certain rules or limitations that protect at-risk populations, like seniors gambling in Atlantic City, and encourage safe gambling.

Recently, the NBA testified in front of the New York State Senate concerning legislation that would legalize sports betting nationwide. The sports organization's decision to publicly push for such legislation could represent a shift in the attitude of many other major sports leagues, which typically oppose sports betting. At the same time, the Supreme Court is in the process of deliberating a case that could give states the power to legalize sports wagering at racetracks and casinos.

Although sports betting is currently illegal in most states, Americans still spend billions of dollars on the activity every year. Legal sports gambling nationwide would make the activity much more accessible to the public. Without some protections or limitations, the rate of disordered gambling could increase dramatically. However, if legislators take the opportunity to establish regulations that promote healthy play, the risk of people developing an unhealthy relationship with this pastime would be minimized.

"At the Council, we believe that people can enjoy gambling responsibly," said Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "However, lawmakers can do much to prevent citizens from developing a disordered relationship with gambling."

To learn more about disordered gambling, like the relationship between gambling and alcohol dependency or "addiction" in Freehold and throughout the rest of New Jersey, visit the CCGNJ's website at https://800gambler.org/. For immediate support, call the organization's free, confidential hotline, 800-GAMBLER.

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.

For more information, please visit http://www.800gambler.org.