New Jersey’s Assemblyman Brian Bergen has introduced a new bill aimed at banning online advertisements for sports betting within the state. The proposed legislation, Bill A5207, was introduced on 16 January 2025 and seeks to prevent sports betting operators, including their employees, agents, and contracted partners, from advertising on the internet or via mobile applications.
The bill also prohibits the sponsorship or financing of such advertisements within New Jersey. The proposal has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee for a brief review.
If passed, it would significantly impact how sports betting is promoted in the state of New Jersey, which has experienced rapid growth in the industry.
New Jersey’s casinos and horse tracks offering sports betting generated a record-breaking $6.3 billion in gaming revenue in 2024, a 9 percent increase from the previous year. The state’s internet gaming sector contributed $2.39 billion, while sports betting brought in $1.09 billion.
The bill’s introduction follows growing concerns about the visibility and influence of online sports wagering advertisements, with critics arguing that they can have a detrimental impact on consumers.
Recent studies and reports have highlighted links between legalised sports gambling and increased domestic violence incidents, as well as a surge in problem gambling cases.
A study by researchers at the University of Oregon found that the legalisation of sports betting correlates with a rise in intimate partner violence (IPV). The research indicated that unexpected emotional cues, such as a favourite sports team’s unexpected loss, can amplify IPV incidents, especially in states where mobile betting is legal and where higher bets are placed.
Furthermore, in New Jersey itself, the Council on Compulsive Gambling (CCGNJ) has reported a 277 percent increase in calls to its 800-GAMBLER helpline since the legalization of sports betting in 2018.
This surge mirrors a significant rise in problem gambling cases, with a notable demographic shift towards young men whose sports wagering has become all-consuming.
And so, multiple lawmakers have called for comprehensive measures to address the social and psychological impacts of legalised sports gambling. Experts advocate for responsible gambling initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and accessible support services to mitigate the adverse effects on individuals and communities.
This legislative move marks a significant step in regulating the increasingly popular and profitable sector of sports betting in New Jersey.
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