New Jersey Advances Bill Banning College Player Prop Bets

Efforts to regulate sports betting on college athletics are gaining momentum amid concerns over athlete harassment and the integrity of college sports. New York State failed to advance a bill that would have limited sports betting deposits and wagers, while the NCAA is considering allowing athletes and staff to bet on professional sports, a move facing significant opposition. In New Jersey, Senate Bill S-3080, aimed at banning player-specific prop bets on college sports to protect student-athletes from harassment, has advanced through a key committee and is pending full Senate approval. This bill would prohibit sportsbooks from offering wagers on individual player performances, such as points scored or rebounds, aligning New Jersey with several other states that have already banned such bets. NCAA President Charlie Baker has publicly urged states to ban college player prop bets due to the rise in harassment and threats to competition integrity. The debate reflects a national concern over how sports wagering impacts amateur athletes, with New Jersey legislators emphasizing the need to shield student-athletes from the negative effects of prop betting.