New Jersey lawmaker introduces bill to permit in-state college sports betting

A New Jersey lawmaker is pushing to lift the state’s ban on sports betting involving in-state colleges and universities. Assemblyman Michael Venezia has introduced Resolution 140, a measure aimed at amending New Jersey’s constitution to allow wagering on all college sports or athletic events. The bill, introduced on June 28, applies to licensed operators in New Jersey partnering with casinos and current or former horse racetracks.

ACR 140 will be put to a general election vote in November, with a required notice of the proposed bill to be published in newspapers in each county. Currently, New Jersey's active gaming laws prohibit sportsbooks from offering odds on in-state schools, which include prominent institutions such as Princeton, Rider, Rutgers, Saint Peter’s, and Seton Hall.

Venezia’s proposal adds to a list of legislative efforts to lift the in-state college sports betting ban. In 2021, a similar amendment spearheaded by Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo was rejected by 57% of voters despite passing both the Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support.

In addition to ACR 140, lawmakers are focusing on the regulation of college player prop betting. Earlier this year, Senator Kristin Corrado introduced Senate Bill 3080, proposing a ban on college player prop markets to ensure a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, and team officials. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Joseph Cryan, was drafted following a call by NCAA President Charlie Baker for a nationwide ban on player prop betting.

New Jersey has faced issues with compliance regarding the existing ban on in-state college betting. In August 2023, the Division of Gaming Enforcement fined Fox Bet $80,000 for accepting bets on multiple prohibited events, including games involving Rutgers, Monmouth, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Seton Hall. PointsBet was also fined $25,000 for accepting bets on Saint Peter’s basketball.

The proposed ballot question for voters will read: “Do you approve amending the Constitution to permit wagering through casinos and current or former horse racetracks on all college sport or athletic events?”