Support for online gambling in New Jersey declining?

The latest Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind survey – a regular snapshot of how New Jersey residents feel about issues such as the legalisation of online gambling – has shown a drop in the number of people who support the concept, with those who have visited land casinos more likely to favour the idea.

Analysts studying the results do not appear to have a firm handle on the cause, with most speculating on what may have caused the drop in interest now that the pastime has been legalised and is fully operational in the Garden State, with growing numbers of New Jersey residents or visitors opening accounts at venues managed by major and reputable gambling groups.

Conducted in recent weeks, the study showed:

* 32 percent of respondents are in favour of online gambling.

* 57 percent are opposed.

* Since March 2013 there has been a decline of p percent in supporters (March 2013: 41 percent for and 46 percent against)

* Respondents who had visited a [land] casino in the previous 12 months were more likely to support online gambling; 4 out of 10 respondents in this category has a positive reaction., whereas only 28 percent of those who had not visited a casino were supportive.

* Women remain more opposed than men – 67 percent vs. 47 percent.

Different analysts have different theories; PublicMind researcher Krista Jenkins opined that the fact of regulation, and the realisation that online gambling was now available, may have been the cause for more concern.

Donald Hoover, senior lecturer of Hospitality Management, was of the view that the increased marketing of online gambling by the operating companies may have triggered more intolerance for the concept.

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