The growth in sports betting across the U.S. will be a hot topic at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey’s (CCGNJ) annual conference on disordered gambling next month.

Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey’s annual conference in September will examine surge in sports betting

As sports wagering continues to expand, surging problem gambling cases remain a concern for non-profit organizations. Legalization has also led to extensive advertising that is often targeting young adults.

The 2024 conference theme is “Betting on Change: Confronting the Surge in Problem Gambling.” It will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 at the New Jersey Hospital Association, 760 Alexander Road in Princeton.

According to the CCGNJ’s website, the conference sessions will examine issues contributing to or arising from the state’s evolving and expanding gambling culture.

Since 2018, the year New Jersey legalized sports betting, the council’s 800-GAMBLER Helpline has experienced a 277% increase in calls, the council said. Per the CCGNJ, there has been a demographic shift in callers with the majority now young men whose sports wagering has become all-consuming in their lives.

CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin and CCGNJ Board President Fred W. Hogan will open the conference

The conference keynote and the closing plenary session will address this issue and explore different aspects of sports betting. Other sessions will cover the financial issues caused by problem gambling and restoring financial stability. It will also cover the path to recovery from both a personal and clinical perspective.

“Over the past six years, gambling has become increasingly embedded in our society,” said CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin. “Our conference will feature experts offering insightful presentations on gambling trends and their consequences. It will also provide a story of hope through one person’s recovery from gambling addiction.”

Grondin and CCGNJ Board President Fred W. Hogan will open the conference and welcome attendees. In addition to registering to attend, individuals and organizations will have sponsorship and exhibit opportunities.

To register to attend the conference, or for more information about said sponsorships or exhibit opportunities, individuals can check out the CCGNJ’s website. The full conference agenda can be read in this .pdf file.

The nonprofit council’s 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline and www.800gambler.org website are resources for thousands of people who suffer from compulsive gambling. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline is free and confidential. Of course, the helpline is available 24 hours a day for New Jersey residents.