New jersey bill would ban sports betting deals at public colleges

TRENTON, N.J. — Public colleges and universities in New Jersey would be barred from entering into sports wagering partnerships under a bill advanced by the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Assembly Bill No. 4113 prohibits public institutions of higher education — including athletic departments and booster clubs — from forming promotional agreements with sports betting operators or intermediaries. The bill aims to limit gambling exposure on campuses while preserving academic partnerships.

However, the legislation allows foundations affiliated with public institutions to enter into such agreements, provided they do not include direct advertising or marketing to enrolled students. Prohibited outreach includes marketing at on-campus and off-campus sites associated with the institution, as well as any digital or electronic promotions aimed at students.

The bill also makes exceptions for partnerships that are academic in nature or provide experiential learning opportunities. These arrangements may continue as long as they are not used for advertising or promoting sports wagering to students.

A “sports wagering partnership,” as defined in the bill, includes any agreement giving gambling entities access to advertise in stadiums, campus facilities, digital content, or broadcasts related to the institution.

The committee also reported favorably on Senate Bill No. 2155, an identical measure, signaling coordinated support in both chambers.

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