According to preliminary data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, bettors in the state wagered approximately $168.7 million on the game, marking a 19% increase from the $141.6 million wagered in 2024.
Sportsbooks in NJ raked in a $25.2 million profit, a significant jump from the $8.5 million they won during last year’s Super Bowl.
This growth cements New Jersey’s status as a leader in the U.S. sports betting industry, showcasing how strategic regulatory policies and a well-developed mobile betting infrastructure have fueled success.
The state now boasts 11 retail sportsbooks and 14 online sportsbooks, creating a competitive market that continues to attract bettors.
Legislative Changes: Decriminalizing Underage Gambling & Banning Online Ads
While the financial success of sports betting in New Jersey is undeniable, state lawmakers are actively debating how to regulate the industry responsibly. One of the most significant developments is the advancement of Assembly Bill 5086, which aims to decriminalize underage gambling by reducing violations to a civil infraction.
Instead of facing criminal charges, underage gamblers would now pay a fine — up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for further violations.
Lawmakers argue that this change is necessary to prevent minor infractions from clogging the courts.
“These cases have been tying up the legal system for too long,”
said Assemblywoman Claire Swift.
However, some advocacy groups have raised concerns. Luis Del Orbe of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) believes that mandatory gambling education should have been included, citing a “troubling rise” in youth gambling rates.
Despite this, the CCGNJ stands to benefit from the fines imposed under the bill, as all collected funds will go toward prevention, education, and treatment programs for problem gambling.
Meanwhile, another bill, A5207, has been introduced by Assemblyman Brian Bergen, aiming to ban online sports betting advertisements altogether. If passed, the bill would prohibit the posting, distributing, or broadcasting of online betting ads, effectively removing marketing from digital platforms and mobile devices.
Bergen has voiced concerns over the aggressive advertising tactics used by sportsbooks, stating:
“The advertising has been like a runaway train, and it needs to be reeled in.”
He argues that excessive marketing glamorizes gambling and makes it more appealing to younger audiences. His proposal reflects a growing national conversation about the role of gambling advertisements, particularly as the industry continues to expand.
As New Jersey’s sports betting market surges past previous records, the state remains at the forefront of industry innovation and regulation. While the record-breaking Super Bowl revenues highlight the sector’s economic strength, legislative efforts to curb problem gambling and control marketing tactics indicate that lawmakers are seeking a balanced approach.
With continued legislative debates and evolving regulations, New Jersey’s gambling industry is set to remain a blueprint for other states navigating the complexities of sports betting expansion.
