NJ Bill on 'Incentive-Based' Promotions at Online Sportsbooks Progresses
A new bill in New Jersey targeting online sportsbook promotions has passed a major vote on its way to becoming law.
The bill, AB 4003, aims to prevent New Jersey sportsbooks from rewarding customers who use responsible gambling tools. Companies could face fines if they persist in rewarding gamblers this way.
At a Glance:
- AB 4003 passed the Tourism, Gaming and Arts Committee in a unanimous vote
- Companion bills will also ban micro-stakes betting
- New Jersey has a well-established sports betting industry
- Sweepstakes casinos also under fire in sweeping range of bills
‘Incentive-based wagering’ on the way out in NJ
The key language in Assembly Bill 4003 is “incentive-based wagering”. Lawmakers are keen to stop New Jersey’s regulated sportsbooks from rewarding customers who set deposit limits.
Under state law, online sportsbooks must provide customers with limit tools. These tools are optional, but they allow gamblers to limit their wagers or the time they spend online.
However, some NJ sportsbooks have started dishing out promo credits to players who use their responsible gambling software.
SB 2334 to fund addiction treatments
New Jersey is pushing on with a raft of other gambling-related bills. Bill A4002 will force sportsbooks to warn customers when they are limited.
Plus, Dan Hutchison of the NJ General Assembly has introduced a bill banning microbetting at state sportsbooks. Microbets are instantaneous wagers on live props, such as the winner of the next pass or pitch.
Finally, SB 2334 would establish a fee on sportsbooks to fund gambling addiction treatment programs. That bill was introduced in January by Democratic Senators John McKeon and Shirley Turner. The bill is slowly working its way through the committees.
New Jersey on the charge with betting taxes
The new regulations are just the latest moves by NJ lawmakers on the gambling industry this month.
Last week, Rep. Michael Venezia introduced a bill to generate extra tax revenue for the FIFA World Cup. HB 4838 would slap a 10% tax onto bets made during the World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S. this summer.
NJ enjoys gaming revenue rise in 2026
Despite a multi-pronged attack from all sides, New Jersey online gambling is on the up.
Total gaming revenue for March 2026 was up 9.2% to $596.4 million in the latest reports. Online gambling, covering sports betting and casino, was up 11.6%, with Atlantic City casinos also reporting a small rise.
NJ lawmakers are obviously keen to keep a tight rein on sites they feel need to shape up in terms of good practice. However, as sportsbook promotions are targeted, betting sites may be wondering where the next attack will come from.
