Establishes public awareness campaign concerning risks of gambling and resources available to compulsive gamblers; appropriates $200,000.
Impact
The implementation of this public awareness campaign is expected to serve as a proactive measure to mitigate the risks associated with gambling. By educating individuals on the potential consequences and the rate of addiction linked to gambling activities, the bill intends to promote informed decision-making among the public. The campaign will utilize various media outlets to ensure broad outreach, covering everything from newspapers and television advertisements to social media platforms. It seeks to raise awareness of the resources available to compulsive gamblers, fostering a supportive environment for individuals in need.
Summary
Senate Bill S3344 aims to address the risks associated with gambling by establishing a public awareness campaign in the state of New Jersey. This initiative is designed to educate the general public about the inherent dangers of gambling and to provide information about available resources for those who may be struggling with compulsive gambling. The bill is sponsored by Senators John F. McKeon and James Beach, reflecting a legislative effort to combat the growing concerns surrounding gambling addiction within the state.
Contention
While the bill is primarily aimed at raising awareness, potential points of contention could arise regarding the effectiveness of such campaigns in genuinely reducing gambling addiction rates. Critics may question whether $200,000 is sufficient funding to adequately implement this extensive campaign and whether media exposure alone can address the deeper issues of addiction faced by individuals. Furthermore, discussions may emerge surrounding the responsibility of the state in regulating gambling activities versus the necessity of providing resources for addiction recovery.
Establishes Unified Responsible Gambling Evaluation Board; requires board to collect and publish gambling information and problem gambling resources online.
Establishes annual fee for sports wagering licensees; directs funds from such fees to Council on Compulsive Gambling and gambling addiction treatment programs.
Establishes annual fee for sports wagering licensees; directs funds from such fees to Council on Compulsive Gambling and gambling addiction treatment programs.
Requires State domestic violence public awareness campaign to add information on coercive control; requires annual reporting on activities of campaign and expands range of languages.
Directs Secretary of State to contract with qualified vendor to develop national marketing campaign promoting State's innovation economy; appropriates $1,000,000.
Requires adoption of and training on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy by certain campaign committees; creates Office on Discrimination and Harassment Prevention; appropriates $2,000,000.