New Jersey Bill Would Ban Online Sports Betting Ads

New Jersey Assemblyman Brian Bergen has put forth a legislative proposal aimed at significantly restricting sports betting advertisements across the state. Titled Bill A5207, the legislation seeks to ban the promotion of sports betting through posting, distribution, broadcasting, or any online dissemination of advertisements.

The Rotunda in the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, New Jersey. (Source: New Jersey Monitor)
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The proposal calls for a comprehensive prohibition on advertisements delivered via web-based platforms and mobile devices, representing a major shift in the regulation of gambling promotions in New Jersey. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) would be responsible for ensuring adherence to these restrictions under the proposed law.

Related: Sports Wagering Revenue in New Jersey Hits Record Levels

Bergen has voiced concerns over the proliferation of sports betting advertisements, describing the current level of marketing as excessive and overwhelming. He has emphasized the urgent need for action, likening the situation to a "runaway train" that requires immediate intervention.

A primary objective of Bill A5207 is to shield younger audiences from what Bergen describes as the glamorization of gambling. He has expressed concerns that such advertisements could encourage minors and young individuals to develop problematic gambling behaviors. By focusing on limiting ads on digital platforms, the bill aims to reduce exposure and lessen the societal impact of widespread gambling promotions.

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The Scale of Gambling Advertising

This proposal comes as global spending on marketing for sports betting and casino platforms has surged. According to a report by AppsFlyer, global app user acquisition advertising reached approximately $65 billion in 2024.

This figure underscores the substantial investment in gambling advertising and reflects the rising popularity of online gambling. Bergen has signaled plans to introduce additional measures, including a proposal to ban sports betting advertisements on television, further expanding regulatory efforts in this area.

Meanwhile, other gaming-related legislative proposals are also under consideration. Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese recently introduced Bill A5196, which focuses on the regulation of sweepstakes casinos and gaming platforms. This legislation seeks to categorize such platforms as regulated gaming entities, requiring them to obtain a casino service industry enterprise license.

Bill A5196 also mandates third-party audits to evaluate financial stability and requires the submission of bi-annual reports to the DGE. Like Bergen's bill, A5196 has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee for further deliberation.

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