Bills Look to Protect Young Bettors
Sports betting has expanded quickly in the US, including on college campuses. Young students are being introduced to the industry before they understand it, leading to irresponsible betting patterns. This is creating life-altering consequences for 21 and 22-year-olds, threatening a whole generation of Americans.
“The proliferation of sports betting by college students is a troubling trend that can have a destructive impact on their lives,” Senator Joe Cryan shared in a press release. “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.”
A total of 30 New Jersey public colleges will be affected by the change.
Is a Ban on College Player Props Next?
In addition to the new ban, lawmakers in New Jersey are also considering bill S3080. It proposes to ban college player prop bets to better protect athletes. It would not only remove the temptations of spot-fixing but also protect college athletes from growing harassment from angry bettors.
The introduction of S3080 was in response to calls from NCAA President Charlie Baker. He has been sounding the alarm about the harassment of athletes. Many states have since passed bans on the controversial bet type, but lawmakers in New Jersey have yet to.
The bill is currently awaiting a Senate floor vote.
New Jersey Lawmakers Focus on Sports Betting
We are just over halfway through 2025, but lawmakers in the Garden State have already spent a lot of time discussing gambling. In addition to the bills focusing on protecting college athletes and students, the state also successfully raised its tax rate for operators from 13% to 20%. This brings the state up to the national average after a proposal for a higher hike was rejected.
New Jersey also seems poised to enact a ban on sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks. While there is a push to crack down on the industry with new regulations, some lawmakers want the industry banned altogether. If passed, it is expected to send customers to regulated sportsbooks, which will further increase the tax revenue generated.
