NJ Sees Push for Regulatory Advancements
News Article: New Jersey Assemblyman Proposes Microbetting Ban Bill to Combat Gambling Addiction
A bill aimed at curbing microbetting in New Jersey's sports betting industry is currently making its way through the legislative process. The microbetting ban bill, A5971, was introduced by Assemblyman Dan Hutchison on July 25, 2025.
The bill seeks to prohibit licensed sportsbooks in New Jersey from offering or accepting micro bets—rapid, live bets on the immediate next play or action in a sporting event. The motivation behind the bill is the desire to reduce gambling addiction risks, supported by data showing a sharp increase in calls to New Jersey’s problem gambling helpline since the legalization of sports betting.
Hutchison and supporting organizations argue that microbetting is harder to regulate and vulnerable to corruption. This stance is bolstered by recent news that Major League Baseball is investigating Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz for suspicious betting-related activity.
As of early August 2025, the details of the proposed fines for sportsbooks violating the ban are yet to be finalized and are pending further legislative action. The proposed fines range between $500 and $1,000.
The bill is part of a broader regulatory effort in New Jersey and has garnered support from organizations concerned about the potential harms of microbetting. Luis Del Orbe, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, is among those supporting the legislation, stating that it is an essential step in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
In addition to the microbetting ban, the state is also considering restrictions on proposition bets involving college athletes. This move is in line with recent actions by New Jersey lawmakers, who have raised taxes on online gaming, banned sweepstakes-style casinos, and prohibited sportsbook partnerships with public universities.
The legislative process of the microbetting ban bill is ongoing, and its enactment into law is yet to be determined. However, the bill's introduction marks a significant step towards addressing concerns about the potential harms associated with compulsive betting and mitigating the financial and emotional harms associated with it.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has publicly questioned the value and risks of microbetting, calling some of its formats "unnecessary and particularly vulnerable" to abuse. This sentiment echoes the concerns driving the microbetting ban bill in New Jersey.
The development of the microbetting ban bill comes amidst a wave of changes in the New Jersey gambling industry. Last year, DraftKings acquired microbetting tech firm Simplebet for approximately $80 million, and Caesars signed a multi-year agreement with Simplebet. It remains to be seen how the bill's passage, if it occurs, will impact these businesses and the broader gambling landscape in New Jersey.
[1] New Jersey Assemblyman Introduces Microbetting Ban Bill [2] New Jersey Assemblyman Proposes Microbetting Ban to Combat Gambling Addiction [3] New Jersey Legislators Consider Microbetting Ban to Protect Consumers [4] New Jersey's Gambling Helpline Sees 277% Increase in Calls Since Sports Betting Legalization [5] MLB Investigates Cleveland Guardians Pitcher for Suspicious Betting-Related Activity
[1] The microbetting ban bill, A5971, introduced by Assemblyman Dan Hutchison, also aims to prohibit online casino platforms from offering poker games.
[2] If passed, the bill will additionally consider restrictions on proposition bets in online casinos and poker games, particularly those involving college athletes.
