A lawmaker in New Jersey is attempting to lift the state’s ban on sports betting involving in-state colleges and universities.
Assemblyman Michael Venezia has introduced Resolution 140, a measure that amends New Jersey’s constitution to allow wagering on “all college sports or athletic events.” The bill applies to licensed operators in New Jersey that are issued sports betting licenses through partnerships with casinos and current or former horse racetracks.
ACR 140 would authorize betting on in-state college sports depending on a general election vote in November with required notice of the proposed bill in newspapers in each county.
New Jersey’s active gaming law prohibits sportsbooks from offering odds on in-state schools, which includes some of America’s most popular college sports brands. The Garden State is home to Princeton, Rider, Rutgers, Saint Peter’s and Seton Hall.
Previous attempts in New Jersey
Venezia adds to the list of lawmakers who have attempted to lift the in-state college ban.
In 2021, New Jersey residents were presented with the opportunity to vote to amend the state constitution to include betting on in-state college sports. The constitutional amendment would be rejected with 57% of residents voting against in-state wagering.
Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo led the effort in 2021 with his bill, ACR 200, passing by a 36-1 vote in the Senate while the Assembly passed it by a 70-4 vote before its rejection.
New Jersey considers additional changes
Lawmakers in the Garden State are also drawing attention to college player prop betting.
Earlier this year, Sen. Kristin Corrado introduced Senate Bill 3080 as a measure that proposes a ban on college player prop markets. The bill aims to create a safe and harassment-free environment for student-athletes, coaches, and team officials.
Corrado and fellow primary sponsor Sen. Joseph Cryan drafted SB 3080 amid a call by NCAA president Charlie Baker to ban player prop betting on college sports nationwide.
