New Jersey Assemblyman introduces new bill to prohibit micro betting
The legislation officially defines micro bets as a proposition bet placed live during any sporting event which may relate to the outcome of the next play or action.
Key Points
- Bill A5971 was introduced by Assemblyman Dan Hutchison on July 25, reportedly in an effort to “address growing concerns” regarding excessive and compulsive gambling
- According to Hutchison’s office, CCGNJ reported a 277% spike in calls to the Council’s problem gambling helpline since the legalization of sports wagering in 2018
New Jersey Assemblyman Dan Hutchison has introduced Bill A5971 which looks to prohibit sports wagering licensees from offering or accepting micro bets, described as an “increasingly common form of live wagering” within the Assemblyman’s release.
The legislation was officially brought forth by Hutchison on July 25, reportedly in an effort to “address growing concerns” regarding excessive and compulsive gambling for New Jersey bettors.
The bill refers to micro bets as a proposition wager placed live during any sporting event which may relate to the outcome of the next play or action. According to Hutchison’s office, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) reported a 277% spike in calls to the Council’s problem gambling helpline since the legalization of sports wagering in 2018.
“The pace of micro betting is designed to keep people gambling constantly, making one impulsive bet after another with little time to think,” Hutchison said.
“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.”
Hutchison also stated micro bets, which “concern the outcome of one particular play or action,” are “easier to fix” than various traditional forms of sports wagering.
Good to know: The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement released the state’s gaming activity throughout June 2025 on July 16, including a total revenue of $581.6m which equates to an 18.4% increase from the prior year period
“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,” CCGNJ Executive Director Luis Del Orbe said.
“By eliminating micro betting, this legislation would take an essential step toward protecting citizens from the harmful effects of reckless gambling practices.”
Violators of the proposed ban would potentially face a disorderly person’s offense as well as a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 per violation, said to be consistent with penalties for fellow unauthorized gambling practices under state law.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
