Gambling turning into crime - New Jersey proposal comes to the rescue
Almost 70% of people in NJ participated in gambling just this last year, and 6.3% are suffering from uncontrollable gambling addictions. It’s a massive issue, considering that suchlike activities trigger parts of the brain that make it far too exciting for the participants to stop, eventually making gambling a habitual chase. What drives the addiction is usually the first successful win, which sets in a feeling of thrill and prompting a hunger for more. That in itself is a recipe for disaster, and the state of New Jersey suffers greatly, not just from addiction but also from gambling-related crimes.

Incarcerating people for crimes committed due to gambling disorders is easy, but unfortunately, that doesn’t fix the issue. Most people only get a few years in jail or prison and go straight back to gambling after. However, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo in New Jersey suggested a life-changing deal - providing treatment to those who have committed non-offensive, gambling-related crimes instead of locking them up. This proposition will offer the addicted criminals a chance to turn their life around for the better instead of being stuck in a neverending vortex. This new bill is meant to create court diversion, giving new hope for families and the incarcerated.
The ultimate plan is to send the addicts to the new gambling treatment diversion court program. There, the patients will receive professional help that will most likely benefit the overall issue, allowing the fallen individuals to carry on with their life without too heavy of a criminal record.
“We should be helping those with gambling addictions who have committed minor offenses, not imprisoning them,” Ralph Caputo stated, revealing his kind intentions behind the new bill proposal.
Unfortunately, this issue grew to such vast proportions, but people like Ralph are out to save the day, protecting residents and the souls of people who simply chose the wrong path.
Although most are already on board with the idea, some steps are still to be taken before the bill can be passed. The next thing to watch out for is the final word from the NJ Assembly Judiciary Committee.
Dan Benson and Anthony Verrelli are as supportive as can be regarding the suggested transformation in New Jersey.
Who will be excluded from this opportunity?
The gambling addicts who have committed violent crimes will not get this dandy pass to get rehabilitated. And although it would be beneficial for suchlike individuals, it would set a bad example for those who deliberately choose to harm others, and a lack of justice would surely infuriate the public.
Perhaps it’s a good thing that there are limitations to who will be allowed to get treatment instead of time behind bars if the bill passes. Too much leniency may invoke havoc that may be too difficult to stop in the future.
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