New Jersey citizens are now less supportive of a potential expansion of sports betting activities in the US state than previously indicated, according to a new survey by PublicMind, the research organisation of Fairleigh Dickinson University.
A report by the organisation in October 2013 found that 55% of respondents in New Jersey were in favour of expanded sports betting, while only 28% were opposed to the move.
However, a new study suggests that while half of the respondents were supportive of an expansion, 41% have now said that the ban should remain in place.
Of those that were against expansion, 47% said such a move would lead to more gambling addictions in the state while 25% said the legalisation of sports betting would result in increased corruption in professional sports.
Despite these concerns, 51% of those that would support legalisation said this would help generate additional revenue in the state and help boost its flagging gambling industry.
The survey was commissioned in the wake of two new sports betting expansion bills having been introduced in the state.
Donald Hoover, senior lecturer at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, said: “Looking at the numbers, it looks like finances and social deviance are driving responses.
“On the one hand, sports wagering is seen as at least part of the solution to the state’s lagging economy.
“But you can’t ignore the worries of those who see it as opening the door to personal heartache and financial ruin.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
