A recent law signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy last week prohibits public universities from partnering with sports betting platforms, citing gambling addiction among students as one reason for the ban.
No Advertising
A law banning public universities, booster clubs, and athletic departments from contracting with sports betting companies to advertise their product in arenas, stadiums, school-related media, and other related platforms was signed by the governor last week. New Jersey Assembly Bill 4113 was sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Carter and Assemblymen Benjie Wimberly and Reginald Atkins.
Publicity campaigns launched by sports betting companies target a range of people, including college-aged adults. This legislation prevents that from happening, at least on college campuses, and protects those who may not be aware of the deleterious effects that gambling can have.
Assemblywoman and co-sponsor of the bill, Linda Carter, said that “advertisements for sports betting on a college campus are unnecessary and can create harmful consequences. “Interestingly, the new law does not totally outlaw partnerships between universities and sportsbook operators. The legislation was amended in September to allow partnerships that are ‘established for academic purposes or provide experiential learning opportunities to students enrolled in the institution.”
Senator Cryan proposed a similar bill, SB 2155, in January 2024, but it was replaced by AB 4113.
“Young people are especially vulnerable to compulsive gambling and can have a difficult time breaking the habit once it becomes ingrained. This will help protect them from the negative influences of advertisements that promote the practice. Our college campuses should be places for learning, not underage gambling,” said Senator Cryan.
State schools, including Rutgers, Kean University, Montclair State, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Rowan, will all be subject to the new law.
College Player Prop Ban in Play
New Jersey is one of the few states where odds and lines on its schools are not allowed on its sports operators’ betting menus. Even New Jersey colleges and universities that play in tournaments held out of state cannot be on the wagering menu.
Moreover, we may be seeing the end of college player props in the Garden State, which have drawn scrutiny from regulators throughout the country, including the NCAA’s objections. Sponsored by Senator Kristin M. Corrado, her bill, S3080, has taken nearly 14 months to advance after unanimous approval by the New Jersey Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee.
“Proposition bets have led to a rise in the harassment of student-athletes and have threatened the integrity of college sports,” said Corrado. “I have heard about many individuals who have been the victims of online harassment because they didn’t perform to the expectations of a bettor who made a side wager. This legislation will ban player-specific prop betting in New Jersey, which will help curb that appalling behavior and make college athletic events safer for all participants.”
The bill has now moved to the Senate floor, and should it become law, college player props would be stricken from gambling menus statewide.
However, the sports betting operators and industry are not taking this attack on a lucrative venture lightly. Bill Pascrell III, Esq., a partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group, replied on behalf of the sports betting industry, saying, “As an alternative, and to be succinct, we should be increasing penalties for those who harass student athletes. Period. Full stop.”
