New Jersey lawmaker proposes ban on microbetting to curb impulsive gambling

A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit sportsbooks from offering “microbets,” a fast-paced form of sports wagering that critics say encourages impulsive gambling and is prone to manipulation.

Assemblyman Dan Hutchison on Friday introduced Bill A5971, which seeks to ban wagers placed on immediate in-game outcomes, such as the result of the next pitch in baseball or the next play in football. The measure is part of a broader push in New Jersey to tighten regulation of the sports betting industry.

“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 in a press release. “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.”

The bill defines a microbet as “a proposition bet placed live during a sporting event that relates to the outcome of the next play or action.” Violations would be classified as disorderly persons offenses and carry fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per incident.

The proposal follows rising concern over the risks of excessive gambling in the state. Hutchison cited data from the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey showing a 277% increase in calls to helplines since the state legalized sports betting.

Luis Del Orbe, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, endorsed the bill. “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,” he said.

Hutchison also warned that microbets are “easier to fix than many more traditional forms of wagering,” referencing multiple cases of athletes being investigated for allegedly altering performance to influence bet outcomes. 

While he did not cite specific examples, Major League Baseball is reportedly investigating Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz over two suspicious pitches. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently remarked that some bet types “strike me as unnecessary and particularly vulnerable.”

The proposal could carry financial implications for operators. DraftKings acquired microbetting company Simplebet in a deal worth approximately $80 million last year, highlighting the format’s growing popularity in the online betting market.

The bill is the latest in a series of moves by New Jersey lawmakers to tighten oversight of gambling. Recent measures have included raising the tax rate on online sports betting and iGaming to 19.75%, banning sweepstakes casinos, and prohibiting college partnerships with sportsbooks. Lawmakers have also floated restrictions on player prop bets in college sports.

“This legislation isn’t about banning sports betting,” Hutchison said. “It’s about setting boundaries to ensure it’s done responsibly.”