New Jersey lawmakers are advancing a piece of legislation that aims to prohibit licensed operators in the state from offering or accepting wagers on college player prop markets.
On Thursday, the state’s Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee advanced Bill A4905 after the measure was introduced by Assemblyman Sterley Stanley last month. The bill explicitly bans college player prop betting in the Garden State as student-athletes across the country face an uptick in gambling-related harassment.
“As one of the first states to legalize sports gambling, I believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that we set the best example we possibly can for all others who wish to follow our lead,” said Stanley after the bill advanced. “Even as a staunch supporter of the sports betting industry, I believe it is incumbent upon us to recognize the incredible pressures that college athletes face between their academic and athletic responsibilities.”
Bill A4905 not only bans operators in New Jersey from offering college player prop markets but also defines the bets as a “side wager on part of a sport or athletic event that does not concern the final outcome of the sport or athletic event.” The measure provides examples of college player prop markets, including which player will score first during a competition.
Stanley and other lawmakers in the Garden State have advanced Bill A4905 after NCAA President Charlie Baker voiced his concern over the legalization of college player props. Last year, Baker told CBS Sports that he believes the props amplify pressure on athletes.
Baker’s concerns were justified with the release of an NCAA study conducted in partnership with Signify Group. The study found more than 5,000 public social media posts that contained abuse directed at student-athletes, coaches or officials. The study, which spanned a few months, found that 723 messages were directly tied to sports betting.
The abuse was found on sites and apps including X and TikTok with women receiving 59% more abusive messages than men. The messages included sexual and racist comments.
Similar legislation in New Jersey Senate
Stanley’s measure joins Bill S3080 as another piece of legislation introduced in New Jersey that aims to ban operators from offering college player props. Bill S3080, sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado, has been referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee after being introduced in April.
New Jersey is one of six regulated sports betting markets that allows college player prop wagering. In 2024, Louisiana, Ohio and Maryland became states to ban the markets.
