New Jersey Considers Ban on College Athlete Prop Bets Amid Harassment Concerns
New Jersey lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit proposition bets on individual college athletes’ performances, following incidents of harassment targeting players. The move comes as the state grapples with the unintended consequences of legalized sports betting.
Recent cases involving Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne and North Carolina basketball player Armando Bacot have highlighted the issue, with both athletes facing backlash from bettors after underwhelming performances. These incidents have sparked a broader conversation about the vulnerability of college athletes to pressure and harassment from gamblers.
State Senator Kristin Corrado, acknowledging the negative aspects of legalized sports betting, has proposed a bill banning proposition bets on individual college athlete performances. The legislation aims to protect student-athletes from undue stress and potential exploitation.
The NCAA reports that one in three athletes in heavily bet sports experiences harassment, lending weight to the argument for increased protections. The association has advocated for a nationwide ban on college prop bets, with 13 states already implementing such restrictions.
However, the proposed ban faces opposition from industry figures. Bill Pascrell III argues that college prop bets have not caused significant harm and warns that prohibition could push bettors to the black market. Proponents of the current system also note that college prop bets represent only a small percentage of the legal sports betting industry.
New Jersey currently allows betting on college games, with some restrictions on in-state teams and events. The state’s recent success in college sports has led to increased betting activity through various channels.
The bill has passed an Assembly committee but requires further legislative approval to become law. New Jersey’s consideration of this ban is particularly significant given the state’s role in challenging federal restrictions on sports betting, which led to the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for widespread legalization.
As the debate continues, New Jersey finds itself at the forefront of balancing the economic benefits of sports betting with the need to protect young athletes. With 38 states now offering legal sports betting and Missouri poised to join, the outcome of this legislative effort could have far-reaching implications for the industry and college sports nationwide.
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