New Jersey Moves to Ban College Sportsbook Partnerships with A4113
New Jersey’s Assembly has taken a stand against sports betting partnerships on college campuses, unanimously passing Bill A4113 with a 75-0 vote. The legislation bars public colleges and universities from teaming up with sportsbook operators for marketing or advertising deals.
What’s Off-Limits
A4113 defines a sportsbook partnership as any agreement between a betting operator and a public higher education institution. That covers ads on stadiums, campus facilities, digital or broadcast sports content, and other platforms tied to the school.
The ban’s clear-cut: no public college can strike such deals, period. If signed into law, it takes effect immediately, slamming the door on any promotional tie-ins.
The focus is campus-wide protection. From arenas to athletic programs and booster clubs, the bill aims to keep gambling ads out of students’ daily orbit, whether they’re cheering at a game or scrolling online.
Why It’s Happening
The push behind A4113 is straightforward: guard students from gambling’s reach. Lawmakers see college campuses as prime spots to limit exposure, especially given sports betting’s legal boom in New Jersey since 2018.
By cutting off marketing partnerships, the state hopes to curb the normalization of wagering among a younger crowd, often more vulnerable to its risks.
The bill is about drawing a line. Public colleges, tied to education and state oversight, won’t be billboards for gambling brands under this plan.
The Assembly’s lockstep approval sends a strong signal, but the bill’s not law yet. It’s landed with the Senate Higher Education Committee for review. Next steps: a Senate vote and, if it clears, a signature from Governor Phil Murphy. The unanimous House backing suggests momentum, though Senate deliberations could tweak the timeline.
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