There’s a movement in New Jersey sports betting that could change who bettors in the Garden State can wager on going forward in college sports.
Currently, betting on college sports is broadly allowed for those who use New Jersey sports betting apps. However, any college sport taking place in the state is an exception, as is betting on any New Jersey-based athlete or school.
But one legislator is seeking to change that right now while introducing a new bill that will allow for in-state betting for those who use the best sports betting sites.
New Jersey Assemblyman Michael Venezia is leading the way while pushing the bill, which is title ACR 140. It was submitted to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee last week.
If successful, the bill would allow the best sportsbooks to offer odds on all athletic programs and games tied to the state’s schools. That will of course include Rutgers and Seton Hall, which field popular football and basketball teams, respectively. There are eight Division I college teams overall in the state.
The alternation would be made to casinos, horse tracks, and the online partners of those venues, many of which offer New Jersey sportsbook promos.
Ultimately, voters will make the decision in November.
Venezia is hoping for success after a similar movement stumbled just short of the goal line in 2021, with 57% of voters opting against adopting the bill.
It’s difficult to gauge whether there’s a better chance this time. NCAA president Charlie Baker continues to push for more regulation of college sports betting, and specifically prop bets. Several states like Ohio, Maryland, Vermont, and Louisiana have banned prop wagers, though others like Montana are staying the course.
But although there was a dip in May to under $1 billion, the sports betting handle in New Jersey had exceeded that mark for eight straight months prior. At total of $3.89 billion, the lifetime handle in New Jersey sits behind only New York throughout the country.
It sure seems like bettors, and voters, will likely have an appetite for wagering on their in-state college teams.
