Atlantic City, N.J. – Slots are the most popular form of gambling by area college students, but those who bet on sports gamble more frequently, according to a recent survey of Stockton University students conducted by The Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming Hospitality and Tourism, of Stockton University (LIGHT) in conjunction with Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

Students at Stockton University participated in the voluntary survey, which was distributed online during the spring 2019 semester. The report is based on responses submitted by 502 students, a majority (71%) female.

The survey found that 64% of participating college students report having gambled in the past. Among college-aged gamblers the most popular forms of wagering were: land-based casino slots (52%), lottery (43%), casino table games (30%) and sports betting (28%).

Gender differences in gambling behavior were found. Slots and the lottery were more popular among women, while table games and sports betting were more popular among men.

Among the percentage of students who have gambled, 21% first gambled when they were under 18 years of age.

The prevalence of underage gambling was highest among students who reported wagering on sports (33%).  Sports gamblers also reported a higher frequency of gambling (27% occasionally or frequently) compared to 17% for gamblers in general.

Professional football was by far the most popular type of sports betting with 75% of respondents who reported having gambled on sports, reporting that they gambled on pro football. Mobile betting was the most popular method of sports gambling with 43% of respondents using a mobile sports book to place bets.

A majority of respondents who said they gambled on sports (60%) reported no change in their sports gambling behavior since sports betting was legalized in New Jersey in June 2018. 

Three percent of gamblers overall reported that gambling has caused serious problems for them in the last three months.  Of those students who did report experiencing problems with gambling, a higher percentage of them had first gambled at a younger age and were motivated by dreams of winning a jackpot. 

Students in general who have gambled, most often reported their gambling motivation was amusement and social interaction.

CCGNJ Executive Director Neva Pryor issued a statement thanking Stockton for the research.

“This information is useful in order for the Council to address trends to strengthen their prevention and treatment messages,” Pryor said. “The Council looks forward to future projects with Stockton to research attitudes towards gambling.”

The full report is on the LIGHT website under Research and Analysis.

Survey Contacts:  Jane Bokunewicz (jane.bokunewicz@stockton.edu) or Rummy Pandit (rummy.pandit@stockton.edu) .

More information on The Council on Compulsive Gambling of N.J. is at 800gambler.org. The free hotline is 800-GAMBLER. The CGGNJ offers support, treatment, and hope. 

More information about the Levenson Institute is at stockton.edu/LIGHT.

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Contact:
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Stockton University
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.DAmico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
609-412-8069
stockton.edu/media