This decision, part of Bill A4113, seeks to prevent schools like Rutgers from forming relationships with sportsbooks, while still allowing opportunities for academic growth and career advancement through “experiential learning” programs. These programs provide students with valuable insights into the NJ sports betting industry, balancing concerns over addiction risks with the prospects of education and job readiness.
Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of proactive measures:
“Both sides of the aisle, we realize that we have to put guards up to protect our residents. One illegal situation is one too many.”
The focus is on shielding students from harmful gambling exposure while not entirely shutting the door on educational opportunities in this growing industry.
Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, executive director of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities, echoed these sentiments, adding that this legislation strikes “the proper balance” by keeping students safe from direct marketing by betting companies, but still giving them avenues to explore potential careers in sports betting.
Nationwide Attention on College Betting Issues
New Jersey is far from the only state grappling with the relationship between colleges and sportsbooks. In fact, the topic has gained nationwide attention in recent years, with the NCAA pushing for states to ban college-player prop bets altogether. While some states like Massachusetts have taken steps to block partnerships between universities and gambling companies, others still allow these relationships under certain conditions.
The issue reached a boiling point in 2022 when PointsBet North America signed a controversial referral deal with the University of Colorado, offering the university $30 for each new user who registered through a referral. The backlash from this deal — along with concerns over student gambling habits — eventually led to the termination of the partnership in early 2023.
With sports betting gaining traction across the country, the stakes for colleges are growing. New Jersey’s bill could set a precedent for other states to follow, particularly as it provides a structured approach to mitigating the risks of gambling addiction while supporting academic exploration.
What’s Next for NJ’s College Betting Regulation?
While New Jersey’s bill has made significant progress, there is still room for further clarification. The bill, as it stands, does not address private colleges and universities, which account for 13 institutions, including notable Division I schools like Princeton and Fairleigh Dickinson. These schools remain outside the scope of the current legislation, raising questions about whether a comprehensive framework for all higher education institutions will be considered in the future.
Looking ahead, New Jersey’s decision could also influence other public and private institutions across the country. As the debate continues to unfold, there is no doubt that other states will be watching closely, especially those where sports betting is booming. For now, New Jersey’s public colleges are walking a fine line, balancing educational opportunities with the need to protect students from the darker side of sports betting.