New Jersey Lawmakers Look To Ban Microbetting

A new bill introduced in the New Jersey State Assembly aims to ban microbetting, a growing form of in-game sports wagering, in response to concerns over compulsive gambling behavior and the integrity of professional sports.

Assemblyman Dan Hutchison (D-Camden) introduced Bill A5971 on Friday, targeting wagers placed on ultra-specific, rapid in-game events such as the outcome of a single pitch in baseball or a single play in football. If passed, the bill would prohibit sportsbooks in New Jersey from offering such bets. Violations would be treated as disorderly persons offenses, carrying fines between $500 and $1,000 per infraction.

 

• New Jersey Assemblyman Dan Hutchison introduced a bill to ban microbetting, citing concerns over impulsive gambling and sports integrity.

• The legislation targets wagers on rapid in-game events, such as single pitches or plays, and would fine sportsbooks $500–$1,000 per violation.

• The move follows broader regulatory efforts in New Jersey, including higher taxes on online betting and restrictions on college athlete prop bets.

 

Gambling at High Speed

Microbetting has gained popularity in recent years, with major platforms such as DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment investing heavily in the space. The format allows users to place wagers on brief, unfolding moments within a game—decisions made in seconds. Critics say this pace fuels impulsive gambling.

“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 statement. He characterized the legislation as a “commonsense step” to curb the cycle of compulsive betting and mitigate the financial and emotional harms associated with it. Luis Del Orbe, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, echoed Hutchison’s concerns, calling the measure “an essential step” in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The state’s gambling helpline has seen a 277% increase in calls since the legalization of sports betting, Del Orbe noted.

Beyond mental health concerns, Hutchison cited potential risks to game integrity. Microbets are viewed as particularly susceptible to manipulation, with athletes possibly altering plays to affect outcomes. While Hutchison didn’t cite specific cases, his remarks follow news that Major League Baseball is investigating Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz for suspicious betting-related activity. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has also publicly questioned the value and risks of microbetting, calling some of its formats “unnecessary and particularly vulnerable” to abuse.

 

This legislation isn’t about banning sports betting. It’s about setting boundaries to ensure it’s done responsibly.

 

Regulatory Momentum in NJ

The microbetting bill is part of a broader effort by New Jersey lawmakers to tighten regulation of the gambling industry. Recent actions include raising taxes on online gaming, banning sweepstakes-style casinos, and prohibiting sportsbook partnerships with public universities. The state is also considering restrictions on proposition bets involving college athletes.

Despite the scrutiny, major betting companies continue to back microbetting. DraftKings acquired microbetting tech firm Simplebet for approximately $80 million last year, while Caesars signed a multi-year agreement with the same provider. Still, Hutchison remains firm that the legislation is not an attack on sports betting as a whole. “It’s about setting boundaries to ensure it’s done responsibly,” he said. The bill will next be reviewed by the Assembly’s tourism, gaming, and the arts committee.