New Jersey Considering Ban on College Player Prop Betting

The Garden State may soon change its bet catalog forever. 

New Jersey Assemblyman Sterley Stanley has introduced a bill banning college player prop betting. The bill was approved by all five members of the New Jersey Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee, the first step on the way to becoming law. There is also a companion bill in the state senate.

If passed, it would make New Jersey the fourteenth state to ban college prop betting.

Bill Comes in Response to Request from NCAA

NCAA President Charlie Baker sent letters to each US legal sports betting state to request they ban player prop betting on college events. Baker’s letters resulted from an uptick in the harassment of college athletes from angry bettors.

College athletes often cannot afford the same level of protection as the pros do. That makes them easy targets both online and even in person. While there has not been much violence, Baker wants to contain the problem before that becomes more common. 

“I believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that we set the best example we possibly can for all others who wish to follow our lead,” sponsor Assemblyman Sterley Stanley said. “Even as a staunch supporter of the sports betting industry, I believe it is incumbent upon us to recognize the incredible pressures that college athletes face between their academic and athletic responsibilities.”

Bill Will Face Uphill Battle

While protecting college athletes is a popular topic, the bill’s passage is far from guaranteed.

Unlike the 13 states that have already banned the controversial bet type, New Jersey is the gambling capital of the East Coast. Atlantic City has offered gambling since 1977, making it a destination for gamblers across the country. The industry has been a staple of the state’s economy, leading many to hesitate to limit certain types of bets.

NJ Largest Market to Allow College Player Props

The industry will follow the fate of the New Jersey bill. The Garden State is still the largest market that allows college player prop betting. Pennsylvania and New York are two of the country's largest markets but have not allowed the wager for a long time now. Ohio recently joined those two markets, along with Louisiana and Maryland.

If New Jersey passes the bill, it will likely mean the end is coming for college player prop betting. If they don’t, it could inspire more states to follow their lead.