New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sportsbooks from Offering Bonuses to Users of Responsible Gambling Tools

(AsiaGameHub) –   A new bill introduced on February 25 and currently advancing through the New Jersey legislature has drawn attention in the gambling industry after lawmakers suggested banning sportsbooks from offering bonuses or promotions to players who sign up for responsible gambling tools.

Unanimous 5-0 Vote

Assembly Bill 4003, titled “Prohibits sports wagering licensee from offering incentive-based wagering to anyone utilizing responsible gaming mechanisms,” aims to prevent operators from providing promotional credits, bonuses, or comparable rewards to bettors enrolled in various programs, including deposit limits, betting limits, cool-off periods, or state self-exclusion systems.

The proposal was introduced by Democratic Assemblymen Dan Hutchinson, Cody Miller, and Michael Venezia. If enacted, sportsbooks could be fined $500 per violation.

The bill recently moved forward with the support of the entire Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee, passing unanimously by a 5 to 0 vote. A corresponding measure has also been introduced in the New Jersey Senate by Senator Paul Moriarty.

Supporters of the legislation argue that gambling companies should not use incentives to influence individuals who are already taking steps to manage their betting behavior.

Going Too Far?

However, some experts in the responsible gambling field believe the proposal may overreach.

Jessica Welman, deputy director of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, noted there is an important distinction between problem gambling protections and standard responsible gambling tools used by typical bettors.

“There is a major difference between responsible gambling and problem gambling,” Welman stated. “Ensuring that sportsbooks do not target self-excluded individuals or those in a cool-off period is a commendable goal.”

At the same time, she cautioned that the broad language of the bill could lead to unintended consequences.

“These tools are ones that ideally every bettor should be using, not just those facing gambling issues,” she added.

Ongoing Protection Proposals 

This debate arises as New Jersey lawmakers continue adopting increasingly stringent measures regarding sports betting regulation.

Hutchinson is also backing another bill that would require sportsbooks to notify customers when betting limits are applied to their accounts and explain the reason for the restriction.

Another proposal introduced alongside Cody Miller would prohibit microbetting statewide. Microbets allow gamblers to place wagers on small in-game events such as the outcome of a single play or pitch.

Meanwhile, Assemblyman Michael Venezia is sponsoring separate legislation imposing a 10% surcharge on sportsbook revenue generated from World Cup betting.

These latest initiatives highlight rising political scrutiny over gambling regulation as states work to balance industry expansion with consumer protection.