Gambling Apps: A Hidden Crisis in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Pennsylvania and New Jersey are facing a growing problem with gambling addiction, especially through online apps. Many people are struggling with huge debts and financial ruin. The issue is getting worse as more people bet on sports and play casino games on their phones. In 2024, online gambling brought in over $6 billion in these two states. This is a big jump from $3. 6 billion in 2021. At the same time, calls to gambling helplines have increased a lot. In Pennsylvania, calls about online gambling problems went up by 180%. In New Jersey, it was 160%. The Philadelphia area is now the top market for online gambling ads. Companies spent over $37 million on ads in just nine months. Many people are getting addicted, and it's affecting their lives. Some have lost their homes, jobs, and even their savings. Experts say the problem is serious. About 6% of Pennsylvanians, or 785, 000 people, are problem gamblers. In New Jersey, callers reported losing millions of dollars. Some even lost their life savings in just one night. Young people are also getting addicted. In New Jersey, more than half of the callers to gambling hotlines were under 35. In Pennsylvania, people under 35 made up 41% of callers. This shows that the problem is spreading to younger generations. Some lawmakers want more regulation. They say the industry targets young people and needs better rules. Online gambling is now almost half of all gambling revenue in Pennsylvania. People bet $8. 3 billion on sports alone in the last fiscal year. Experts warn that the problem will get worse. They say lawmakers need to act fast to help those struggling with addiction. The crisis is real, and it's affecting many lives.