Lawmaker in New Jersey wants to ban online sports betting ads

NJ New Jersey Online Sports Betting Advertisements Bill
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New Jersey Assemblyman Brian Bergen has introduced a piece of legislation that proposes changes to the state law regarding sports betting advertisements.

Bergen has introduced Bill A5207, which aims to ban the “posting, distributing, broadcasting, or disseminating” of any online ad related to sports betting. It proposes an immediate ban of online sports betting ads and also bans marketing shared via any web-based platform on a mobile device.

“I just think it’s become totally ridiculous,” Bergen told New Jersey 101.5 earlier this week. “The advertising has been like a runaway train and it needs to be reeled in.”

Under Bill A5207, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is responsible for ensuring that companies comply with the ban on online sports betting ads.

Bergen has filed a bill to ban online betting ads with the goal to protect young audiences.

“Our children don’t need to see these things in a glorified way that entices them to become lifelong gambling addicts,” continued Bergen.

Bill A5207, which comes as gambling marketing soars, has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee for further consideration.

Earlier this month, AppsFlyer released its latest data trends report providing insights into how companies spend their money on marketing sports betting and casino platforms. In 2024, global app user acquisition ad spending reached approximately $65 billion.

Bergen also plans to file a measure that prohibits sports betting ads on TV.

Sweepstakes measure in NJ

Earlier this week, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese introduced Bill A5196 as a measure that classifies sweepstakes casinos and gaming sites as regulated gaming entities.

Under Bill A5196, platforms that are classified as sweepstakes are required to apply for a casino service industry enterprise license. The sites are also mandated to conduct a third-party audit to determine their financial standing and send bi-annual reports to the DGE.

It has also been referred to the Assembly, Tourism Gaming and the Arts Committee.