On Thursday, the New Jersey Assembly’s tourism, gaming, and arts committee voted to release A4905. This bill would ban betting on collegiate player props in the Garden State. Now, the legislation has advanced further and is close to reaching Trenton. Bill A4905 is a national legislation that bans betting on player props. New Jersey’s S3080 is the twin bill with A4905.
Sportsbooks in the state would be banned from offering any “player-specific” wager for a collegiate sport or athletic event. New Jersey’s current law doesn’t allow any resident to be on an in-state team. An example would be a New Jersey resident trying to place a wager on the Rutgers basketball team. Because they play in Garden State, anyone who is betting in NJ territory would not be able to bet on the Scarlet Knights. Now, lawmakers want to take it a step further and ban betting on collegiate player props in New Jersey.
What other states have banned betting on collegiate player props?
NCAA President Charlie Baker has been working in 2024 to have wagering on collegiate player props banned nationally. However, that’s easier said than done in a world where sports betting continues to grow. President Baker and the NCAA support A4905. They’ve been lobbying with other state officials to adopt the legislature. While sports betting is growing, the risk for collegiate athletes is on the rise.
Since sports betting was legalized in 2018, collegiate athletes have been harassed by sports bettors. NCAA Assistant Director of Government Relations Auction Meo said that this threatens the integrity of collegiate sports. In 2024, Ohio, Maryland, Vermont, and Louisiana have all banned betting on collegiate player props in their respective states. Meo believes New Jersey should prohibit betting on college athletes to help combat the ongoing issue.
It’s not going to be an easy road for New Jersey to ban betting on collegiate player props
While lawmakers want to prohibit wagering on collegiate player props, there is opposition from the other side. There is simply no guarantee that New Jersey will follow through and ban betting on collegiate athletes. Bill’s A4905 and S3080 will face heavy opposition from licensed sportsbooks in New Jersey and associated parties. The Garden State is one of the most mature sports betting markets in the country. Bill Pascrell is a lobbyist for Princeton Public Affairs Group. He believes that prohibiting wagering on collegiate player props will move that action to offshore, illegal markets.
