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Read Full BioA new bill introduced in New Jersey proposes a ban on “micro bets” during live sports events.
Bill A5971 defines micro bets as “a proposition bet placed live during a sporting event that relates to the outcome of the next play or action.”
Under the bill’s terms, bets that would be prohibited include bets on the next pitch in baseball, the next play in football, and the next point in tennis.
The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Assemblyman Dan Hutchison, commented: “The pace of micro betting is designed to keep people gambling constantly, making one impulsive bet after another with little time to think.
“This bill is a commonsense step to slow that cycle down and protect individuals from the financial and emotional harms that can come with excessive betting.”
If passed, sportsbooks found to be accepting micro wagers would face fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.
New Jersey Attempts to Curb Irresponsible Sports Betting
In addition to the proposed ban on micro bets, New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban prop bets on college sports.
Hutchison went on to clarify that he does not wish to ban sports betting, but the bill is designed to limit irresponsible gambling.
Hutchison added: “This legislation isn’t about banning sports betting. It’s about setting boundaries to ensure it’s done responsibly. By banning micro bets, we would be taking a clear stand against predatory practices that push people toward irresponsible gambling habits.”
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Backs Bill
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) supports the legislation. The CCGNJ has reported a 277% increase in calls to its problem gambling helpline since the legalization of sports wagering, and believes that evidence indicates that micro bets are a significant contributor to gamblers developing problems.
Executive Director Luis Del Orbe commented: “The evidence underscores that micro betting can accelerate the path to problem gambling, especially among vulnerable populations such as youths and individuals with a history of compulsive gambling.
“We praise the sponsors for their insight and initiative in addressing this critical public health issue.”
“By eliminating micro betting, this legislation would take an essential step toward protecting citizens from the harmful effects of reckless gambling practices.”
New Jersey has also passed a ban on sweepstakes casinos, which is awaiting Gov. Phil Murphy’s signature.
Ban on Micro Betting Could Reduce Incidents of Player ‘Fixing’
The bill aims to limit the influence of betting markets on athletes’ performances. Hutchison noted that micro bets are easier to fix than many more traditional forms of wagering.
A press release announcing the bill’s introduction stated, “There have already been several reported cases of athletes being investigated for altering their performance to meet the terms of large wagers on a micro bet.”
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz is currently under investigation for suspicious betting activity on his pitches during games against the Seattle Mariners on June 15 and the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27.
Other high-profile cases include NBA player Jontay Porter, who is awaiting sentencing for his involvement in a betting scandal on prop bets in his matches. Currently, Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley are also under investigation over suspicious betting activity on prop bets in their NBA games. Although in these cases, the bets were placed before the start of the game, and would not be affected by the ban on micro bets.
