
“While amending the New Jersey Constitution, this ballot measure will not have any practical effect unless the federal government lifts its ban on sports betting,” said poll Director David Redlawsk, a professor of political science at Rutgers University. “Nonetheless, New Jerseyans are ready to position New Jersey to take advantage of any change in federal law.”
Results are from a poll of 903 adults, including a sample of 821 registered voters and 603 likely voters conducted among both landline and cell phone households from Oct. 6-9. The sample of likely voters has a margin of error of +/- 4.0 percentage points, while the registered voter sample has a margin of error of +/-3.5 percentage points.
Shore counties strongly support gambling amendment
Voters living in the New Jersey Shore counties of Monmouth, Ocean and Atlantic are the state’s strongest supporters of gambling on sporting events. Nearly three-quarters of likely Shore voters would support sports gambling, while suburban voters are far behind at 57 percent. Just over half (54 percent) of south Jersey/Camden area voters support the measure, similar to north Jersey urban and exurban voters at 52 percent and 51 percent in favor.
“Supporters argue sports gambling would provide a much needed economic boost to the gaming industry and bring in new revenue to the state,” said Redlawsk. “The potential for economic benefits seems to overcome any possible doubts in the part of the state that should gain the most.”
Likely voters in union households are stronger supporters than those not in unions, 63 percent to 56 percent. Employment status, however, does not appear to have a significant impact on support for the sports betting. Those employed full time and those not employed at all have the same level of support at 58 percent.
Catholics are stronger supporters than Protestants
Almost two-thirds of Catholic likely voters support sports gambling, while 48 percent of Protestant voters agree. One-quarter of Catholics oppose the measure as do 40 percent of Protestants. Voters who call themselves evangelical or born-again Christians are nearly evenly split; 46 percent opposed and 44 percent in favor.
Frequency of attendance at religious services appears more important than adherence to a specific religion, with fewer than half (47 percent) of those who attend services at least weekly in favor of allowing betting on sports. Support steadily increases as attendance declines, with 58 percent of those who attend almost every week, and more than 60 percent of those attending less often favoring the proposal.
“It’s not all that surprising that while Catholics support the amendment, evangelicals are most opposed,” said Redlawsk. “Economic development needs may well take a back seat to questions of morality among those who are more conservative in their religious traditions.”
Men and younger voters more likely to support sports betting
While more than six-in-10 men support legalized sports betting, only 54 percent of likely women voters agree. One-third are opposed and 13 percent are not sure where they stand. Only 28 percent of men oppose the measure and 10 percent are uncertain. Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of younger likely voters supports sports betting while only 23 percent oppose it. Voters at least 65 years old are much more against sports wagering: 48 percent are in favor and 40 percent are against the measure.
“Assuming the likely passage of the amendment, New Jersey voters will send a strong message to the state’s political leaders to continue pressing the federal government for change,” said Redlawsk. “In this economic environment any reasonable opportunity for significant revenue to the state looks pretty good to voters.”
Click here to read the entire poll.
Media Contact: David Redlawsk
732-932-7084, ext. 612
E-mail: redlawsk@rutgers.edu