New Jersey Considers Ban on College Prop Bets

In response to the NCAA’s call for states to prohibit prop bets on college athletes, a New Jersey lawmaker has introduced a bill aimed at implementing such a ban within the Garden State.

State Sen. Kristin Corrado’s proposed legislation seeks to prohibit sports betting platforms from offering player-specific proposition bets on collegiate sports events in New Jersey. The bill explicitly states that “a sports wagering licensee shall not offer or accept any wager on a player-specific proposition bet on any collegiate sport or athletic event.”

Addressing Concerns

Expressing her rationale behind the bill, Corrado emphasized the adverse effects of prop bets on college sports, citing concerns related to the integrity of athletic competitions and the harassment faced by student-athletes. Taking to Twitter, Corrado stated, “Prop bets have led to a rise in the harassment of student-athletes and have threatened the integrity of college sports.”

The issue of prop bets has garnered attention following NCAA President Charlie Baker’s stance against such wagers, citing the undue pressure they impose on athletes. Baker’s advocacy has prompted discussions among legislators nationwide regarding the NCAA’s concerns.

Corrado’s bill defines prop bets as side wagers on specific aspects of a sports or athletic event that do not impact the final outcome. This encompasses bets on individual player performance metrics, such as points scored and other key statistics.

Highlighting the need for legislative intervention, Corrado emphasized the detrimental impact of prop bets on student-athletes’ well-being and the integrity of college sports. She underscored the importance of implementing a ban to mitigate harassment and ensure the safety of all participants in college athletic events.