A New Jersey bill filed late last week, ACR 140, aims to allow New Jersey sports bettors to wager on in-state college teams. Currently, the state has a ban on wagers involving New Jersey teams, like Rutgers.
It's not the first time a New Jersey legislator has pushed to allow sports betting on in-state teams, as a 2021 effort failed at the polls. The 2024 effort, introduced by Rep. Michael Venezia, would also need voter approval in November to take effect.
Proponents of wagering on in-state college teams often cite a potential revenue boost, while also believing the protections of the legal market outweigh any potential integrity risks associated with allowing bets on in-state teams. Detractors of in-state college betting often cite game integrity fears and a potential increase in athlete harassment.
The NCAA has requested states ban college prop bets in part due to harassment issues – that's another topic New Jersey legislators are considering – but the organization has not gone as far as requesting states ban all wagers on in-state programs.