New Jersey Bill to Ban Micro Betting Passes First Committee

Responsible Gambling
Photo by Marion Touvel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Marion Touvel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • A3258 would ban sportsbooks from offering micro-bets
  • Micro-betting involves wagering on a single moment or play
  • The bet type has been linked to several betting scandals

Big changes could be coming for sports bettors in the Garden State.

The New Jersey Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and Arts Committee has passed A3258, which proposes to ban micro-betting in the state. If passed, the ban would apply only to mobile sportsbooks, meaning micro-bets could still be placed at retail locations. The bill’s sponsors argue the ban is needed to help fight problem gambling and protect the integrity of sports leagues.

The bill will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for review.

Micro-Betting Linked to Problem Gambling

Micro-betting is a niche form of prop betting that focuses on single moments in a game or event.

For example, a typical prop bet might involve betting on a basketball player to score 20+ points in a game. By contrast, micro-betting would involve betting on that player to score the next points in a game.

The controversial bet type has been linked to the continued spike in problem gambling seen across the US. That’s due to the hundreds of wagers that can be placed on a single game, which can be extremely dangerous for bettors struggling with addiction. 

By banning micro-betting, New Jersey lawmakers hope it will force bettors to slow down and fully realize their losses before placing more wagers. 

A Serious Threat to the Integrity of US Sports

In addition to problem gambling, micro-betting has also been linked to betting scandals in US sports leagues.

One of the biggest came last summer when two MLB pitchers were charged as part of a betting scandal. The duo worked with bettors to intentionally manipulate a single pitch during games, allowing them to cash in micro-bets on the result. One of the players charged was an All-Star, which made the scandal big news.

While an athlete can illegally manipulate other bet types, micro-betting is the most dangerous. That’s because it involves only a single moment from a game, making it almost impossible for fans and regulators alike to spot.

Proposed Ban Could Face Pushback in New Jersey

Like Nevada, New Jersey has been offering legal sports betting long before PASPA was overturned. Atlantic City remains the gambling capital of the East Coast, with casino operators carrying a lot of sway with lawmakers.

While micro-betting is fairly niche, it is also a solid money-maker for mobile sportsbooks. That’s a result of bettors remaining engaged and typically placing more than one wager during a game. This has led to some industry opposition as more states consider similar bans, but the opposition could grow louder in New Jersey.

Unlike in years past, sports prediction markets are now an active threat to the sports betting industry. Platforms can now offer prop bets and parlays, prompting many bettors to switch. One thing the industry can’t offer (yet) is micro-betting, making it the biggest advantage sportsbooks have over prediction platforms.

Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

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