Poll Finds That Majority of Americans Oppose Online Gambling, Split Over Legalized Marijuana

A new poll found that a majority of Americans oppose the legalization of online gambling, but are divided over whether to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

The results of a national survey conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind indicate that just 20 percent of Americans prefer the legalization of marijuana to legalized Internet gambling. Additionally, more than two-thirds of poll respondents said they opposed the idea of allowing casinos to run online gambling sites.

The poll surveyed 1,151 adults aged 18 and older who live in the United States.

According to trend data dating back to 2010, attitudes toward the legalization of online gaming have remained fairly constant over the years. Krista Jenkins, director of PublicMind and professor of political science at Fairleigh Dickinson University, said the public doesn’t seem to be supporting legalized online gambling. “Right now,” said Jenkins, “online gambling looks to be a long shot in the court of public opinion.”

New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware are currently the only three states to permit online gambling. However, as many as 10 other states are seriously considering legalization in the near future.

Although certain casino crimes are still on the books in New Jersey, online gambling is legal within state borders. Interestingly, New Jersey recently legalized Internet gambling in the face of strong opposition, but the state has yet to legalize marijuana despite overwhelming public support. As a result, marijuana possession is still against the law in New Jersey. Jenkins observed that state legislators’ failure to legalize marijuana suggests a serious “disconnect between public opinion and public policy.”

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