New Jersey Proposes Amendment to Allow Sports Betting on In-State College Sports

New Jersey is once again considering lifting the ban on sports betting involving its in-state colleges and universities. Assemblyman Michael Venezia has put forward Resolution 140, a proposal aimed at amending the state’s constitution to permit wagering on all college sports events. This measure targets approved casinos in New Jersey, allowing them to offer bets through partnerships with casinos and both current and former horse racetracks.

The Scope of Resolution 140

Resolution 140, known formally as ACR 140, would enable betting on in-state college sports, contingent on approval in the general election in November. The bill stipulates that its details must be published in newspapers across every county to ensure public awareness. Currently, New Jersey’s sports betting laws restrict sportsbooks from offering odds on events involving local colleges, which include prestigious institutions like Princeton University, Rider University, Rutgers University, Saint Peter’s University, and Seton Hall University.

This isn’t the first time New Jersey lawmakers have tried to lift the in-state college betting ban. In 2021, a similar proposal was led by Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo. His bill, ACR 200, sought to amend the constitution to allow such betting, ing the Senate with a 36-1 vote and the Assembly with a 70-4 vote. However, despite legislative , the measure was rejected by 57% of voters in a public referendum, showing significant public hesitation on the issue.

Additional Legislative Considerations

Alongside efforts to lift the ban on in-state college sports betting, New Jersey lawmakers are also addressing concerns about college player prop betting. Senator Kristin Corrado introduced Senate Bill 3080 earlier this year, proposing a ban on betting markets focused on individual college players. This measure aims to protect student-athletes, coaches, and team officials from potential harassment and undue pressure. Co-sponsored by Senator Joseph Cryan, SB 3080 aligns with NCAA President Charlie Baker’s call for a nationwide prohibition on player prop bets in college sports.

The introduction of Resolution 140 signifies another attempt to expand New Jersey’s sports betting market by including in-state college events. If approved by voters, this measure could enhance the state’s revenue from sports betting and offer more betting options to sports enthusiasts. However, it also raises questions about maintaining the integrity of college sports and protecting young athletes from the pressures of sports gambling.

Public opinion will play a crucial role in the fate of Resolution 140. Proponents argue that allowing bets on in-state college sports will boost state revenues and make New Jersey’s sports betting market more competitive. They also point to the potential for increased regulatory oversight and consumer protections. On the other hand, opponents worry about the implications for student welfare and the potential increase in gambling-related issues among younger demographics.

Assemblyman Michael Venezia’s Resolution 140 represents a renewed effort to amend New Jersey’s constitution to permit betting on in-state college sports. This proposal, pending voter approval in the November general election, could significantly broaden the scope of legal sports betting in New Jersey. As the debate continues, both ers and critics will intensify their efforts to influence public opinion and the eventual outcome of the vote.

The ongoing discussions underscore the dynamic nature of sports betting legislation in New Jersey. While the future of in-state college sports betting remains uncertain, the outcome of this proposal will have lasting implications for the state’s gaming landscape. Whether the measure es or not, it highlights the evolving attitudes towards sports betting and the complexities of balancing economic benefits with ethical considerations in the realm of college athletics.

Source:

”Lawmaker in NJ introduces bill to allow in-state college sports betting”, sbcamericas.com, July 02,2024.