New Jersey Assemblyman Introduces Bill to Ban Microbetting in State

^{New Jersey sportsbooks may now be under more scrutiny as microbetting practices are up for a potential ban. (Photo: Wayne Parry / AP)}

New Jersey Assemblyman Dan Hutchison (D-Camden) has introduced a bill that would ban wagering on brief, individual outcomes in sporting events, a practice known as microbetting. 

Bill A5971 would prohibit sportsbooks in the state from offering bets on events like the results of an individual pitch in a baseball game or the result of a single possession in basketball.

Hutchison: Microbetting ‘Designed to Keep People Gambling Constantly’

In a statement about the bill, Hutchison said that microbetting encourages unhealthy gambling habits due to its fast-paced nature. 

“The pace of micro betting is designed to keep people gambling constantly, making one impulsive bet after another with little time to think,” Assemblyman Hutchison said. “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 Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) praised the legislation, saying that microbetting may fuel problem gambling issues.

“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,” CCGNJ Executive Director Luis Del Orbe said. “By eliminating micro betting, this legislation would take an essential step toward protecting citizens from the harmful effects of reckless gambling practices.”

Hutchison’s bill would define microbetting as any live proposition bet that relates to the outcome of the next play or action in a game or match. Violators would net fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per violation.

Microbetting Seen as Match Integrity Threat

While Hutchison focused on the problem gambling aspects of microbetting, there are also integrity concerns associated with these wagers. As noted in the statement announcing the bill, single actions are considered easier to fix – and less impactful – than entire games. 

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz is currently on paid leave while Major League Baseball investigates a microbetting incident related to his performance in games played on June 15 and June 27. In both games, there was suspicious wagering on two pitchers to start innings, both of which Ortiz threw well outside of the strike zone. Teammate Emmanuel Clase was also put on paid leave on July 28 as a part of the investigation.

Hutchison’s legislation comes amidst a trend of bills designed to rein in aspects of the rapidly expanding sports betting industry in the United States.

Sports Betting Backlash?

Last September, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Representative Paul Tonko (D-New York) introduced the SAFE Bet Act, which would require states that wanted to offer legalize sports betting to apply with the US Justice Department for approval. Many states have also banned prop betting on college sports in an attempt to limit potential game integrity issues at the collegiate level. 

Like those efforts, Hutchison’s bill is targeted in nature. As he points out, he has no interest in bringing down the sports betting industry in general.

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