- New Jersey could be getting in-state college betting beginning in 2022.
- Residents of the state will get to vote on whether or not to add in-state college wagers to sportsbooks on their November 2021 ballots.
- The sports gambling industry of New Jersey may see an influx of action if they were to add hometown college teams to their sports wager offerings.
TRENTON, N.J. – On Thursday, New Jersey passed legislation that will put the subject of in-state college sports betting on the November 2021 ballot. Should it receive a majority vote by residents, in-state college wagers could be seen as early as March Madness in 2022 by local sportsbooks.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 133 passed in the Senate on June 3 with a vote of 36 YEAS and 1 NAY. On Thursday, the Assembly passed the measure during its third reading, allowing it full passage by a vote of 70 YEAS and 4 NAYS.
What Will SCR 133 Do For New Jersey?
Regulated sports betting in New Jersey has been a powerhouse of an industry making nationwide records since launching in 2018.
However, they have not allowed their gamblers to wager on in-state college sporting events. Collegiate betting is open in the state, just not for any New Jersey schools.
This has proven to be problematic as a number of sports bettors in the Garden State find outside outlets like internet and mobile sportsbooks that will take bets on these games and use them instead of a NJ platform.
That’s all lost profit for the state.
Lawmakers are aware of this happening which is why they voted in favor of SCR 133 passing and letting the people decide for themselves.
The question that will be seen on the ballot will appear as follows:
“Do you approve amending the Constitution to permit wagering through casinos and current or former horse racetracks on all college sport or athletic events? Currently, wagering is prohibited on college sport or athletic events that take place in New Jersey. Wagering is also prohibited on an event in which a team from a New Jersey college participates.”
What’s Next For New Jersey?
Online gambling is King in New Jersey and the addition of in-state collegiate wagers option would make that part of the market soar to new heights.
Insiders believe that the majority of constituents in the Garden State will be in favor of the measure come November. Should this information be accurate, Rutgers better be in March Madness for sportsbooks in New Jersey to finally begin setting betting lines on their hometown teams for huge events such as that one.