Bill to prohibit online micro betting in New Jersey moves forward
Legislation would prohibit rapid-fire proposition wagers through online sports betting platforms
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Dan Hutchison, Cody Miller, and Dave Bailey Jr. designed to prohibit online micro betting in New Jersey cleared the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee on Monday. Micro bets are live proposition wagers placed during a sporting event that focus on the outcome of the next play or action in a game. Examples include wagering on whether the next baseball pitch will be a strike or whether the next football play will be a run or pass.
Bill A3258 would prohibit sports wagering licensees from offering or accepting micro bets through online sports betting platforms. Under the legislation, bettors would still be permitted to place micro bets in person at sports wagering lounges and through authorized self-service wagering machines located at licensed facilities.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the speed and accessibility of online micro betting can encourage impulsive wagering by allowing bettors to place a high volume of bets in a short period of time.
“Sports betting has expanded significantly in recent years, and with that growth comes a responsibility to make sure safeguards evolve as well,” said Assemblyman Hutchison (D-Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester). “Micro betting moves at a pace that leaves little time for reflection and can encourage impulsive decision-making. This legislation strikes a balance by preserving legal sports wagering while limiting one of its riskiest online forms.”
Unlike traditional sports wagers, micro bets are tied to individual plays and occur continuously throughout a game, creating frequent opportunities to wager within seconds of a previous bet being resolved.
“Technology has changed the way people engage with sports and gaming, but consumer protections need to keep pace,” said Assemblyman Miller (D-Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester). “When wagers can be placed with a few taps every few seconds, it becomes easier for gambling to shift from entertainment to habit. This bill takes a measured approach to reducing that risk.”
Under the bill, a micro bet is defined as a live proposition bet concerning the outcome of the next play or action occurring during a sporting event. Proposition bets are side wagers that do not involve the final outcome of a game, such as a player’s performance or a specific in-game occurrence.“The convenience of mobile wagering has changed the gambling landscape, and policymakers have a responsibility to address emerging concerns,” said Assemblyman Bailey (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland). “By limiting online micro betting, we can help promote responsible gaming while preserving the integrity of New Jersey’s sports wagering industry.”
https://www.assemblydems.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/13093