NJ Bills Aim To Reform Sports Betting Ads, Ban College Sportsbook Partnerships

New Jersey has presented two sports betting bills in the Senate. These measures will affect sports betting advertising rules and partnerships between New Jersey sportsbooks and universities. Both measures are sponsored by Sen. Joe Cryan and are part of a broader effort to reform gambling advertising in the Garden State. This could affect how the best sports betting sites are able to advertise in NJ.

New Jersey Pushes For Betting Advertising Reform

S 4020

The first measure, S 4020, would prohibit sportsbooks from partnering with public institutions of higher learning. This is due to the potential negative impact of sports betting being prevalent on college campuses to underage students.

This thinking has been a common occurrence across multiple markets. Lawmakers in Ohio and Massachusetts have already put forth legislation to restrict such deals. The American Gambling Association has also updated its guidelines to discourage such deals.

As a result, several partnerships have been terminated between operators and universities. If NJ passes this measure, locals can expect more partnerships to follow suit.

S 4021

The second measure that Sen. Cryan is sponsoring is S 4021. This bill would crack down on fraudulent or deceptive advertising. The goal of this measure is to focus on specific language that sportsbook advertisers have been using.

The language that the measure is focusing on are terms like “Free Bet”, “Can’t Lose”, and “Risk-Free”. Lawmakers view these terms as dishonest and predatory. There is no such thing as a free wager or a wager without risk. New Jersey sports betting legislators wish to ban this form of betting advertising statewide.

“Restricts advertising for casino games and sports pools under certain circumstances.”

S 4021

Next Steps For The Measures

Lawmakers will need to deliberate the measures in committee before it can be put to a vote. In addition, the measures also need to pass in the House of Representatives. The fiscal year ends on June 30 which would see the Senate break for the Summer.

Additionally, lawmakers will have plenty of measures to consider as 2023 marks an election year in New Jersey. These measures could potentially not have the time they need to fully pass through both chambers.

If they fail, however, fans can expect similar legislation presented next year. With the nation coming on board with stricter gambling ad regulations, NJ will surely find these rules necessary going forward.