New Jersey's lawmaker introduces bill to ban micro betting
Micro betting enables individuals to place live bets on specific moments during a game, such as the next pitch or free throw, rather than on the overall result. Concerns over the risks of this type of betting have grown along with its popularity in the United States. As a result, Assemblyman Dan Hutchison of New Jersey has proposed Bill A5971, which would outlaw micro betting in the state. The bill outlines penalties for operators who continue to provide these bets, defining them as wagers on specific plays or activities during a game.
Rationale behind the ban
Assemblyman Hutchison argues that micro betting encourages impulsive gambling behaviour due to the rapid pace of wagers placed during live games. He cites a significant increase in calls to problem gambling helplines 277 per cent since sports betting was legalised in New Jersey, as a sign of growing concern.
Hutchison stated, “The pace of micro betting is designed to keep people gambling constantly, making one impulsive bet after another with little time to think. 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.”
Some experts claim that by providing recurrent psychological triggers, the architecture of these systems fosters addictive tendencies. Additionally, younger players may be drawn to the format due to its visual attractiveness and ease of use, which raises concerns about early gambling exposure.
Concerns about game integrity
Micro betting focuses on specific in-game actions, such as a single pitch or play, which are considered more susceptible to manipulation than full-game outcomes. This has raised concerns about the potential impact on the integrity of professional sports. For example, Major League Baseball has investigated players for behaviour possibly linked to micro betting patterns. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has described certain types of these bets as particularly vulnerable and unnecessary.
Hutchison further stated in his , “This legislation isn’t about banning sports betting. It’s about setting boundaries to ensure it’s done responsibly. By banning microbets, we would be taking a clear stand against predatory practices that push people towards irresponsible gambling habits.”
Legislative developments in New Jersey
New Jersey has introduced several measures to regulate the gambling industry. This includes raising the online betting tax rate to 19.75 per cent, banning sweepstakes-style 바카라s that operated in legal grey areas, and prohibiting partnerships between colleges and sportsbooks to limit student exposure to gambling promotions.
Some operators have expressed their concerns about the potential ban on micro betting. For example, DraftKings purchased Simplebet’s micro betting technology for about $80 million. If the ban is put into effect, such investments in a vital industry may lose value. Businesses may reconsider their plans as a result of the recommendation, which may lead to a reduction in operations or a shift in focus.
Advocacy and expert opinions
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey’s Executive Director, Luis Del Orbe, has endorsed the proposed micro betting ban, calling it an essential public safety precaution. The Council has played a key role in gathering data, raising awareness, and promoting responsible gambling practices. Public health experts argue that the goal is not to restrict personal freedom, but to ensure consumer safety in a system that may exploit behavioural vulnerabilities.
Luis Del Orbe stated, “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.”
He added, “By eliminating micro betting, this legislation would take an essential step towards protecting citizens from the harmful effects of reckless gambling practices.”
Regulatory trends in other states
Since New Jersey was the first state to legalise sports betting, other states are closely watching what it does. Micro betting prohibitions may have an impact on such laws in other jurisdictions. State revenue may be impacted by the ban, but proponents contend that long-term public health benefits outweigh immediate financial gains.
