Legislative Proposal in New Jersey Aims to Prohibit Micro Wagers on Athletic Contests
In a move aimed at curbing impulsive and excessive gambling, New Jersey Assemblyman Dan Hutchison has proposed Bill A5971, which seeks to ban micro-betting in the state. The bill, introduced in July 2025, would prohibit licensed sportsbooks from offering or accepting micro bets, defined as rapid, live wagers on the immediate next play or action during a sporting event.
The legislation is prompted by concerns over the financial and emotional harms linked to this fast-paced betting style, as well as potential game integrity risks. Hutchison emphasized the need to protect individuals from the potential dangers of micro-betting, citing an alarming 277% increase in calls to the state’s problem gambling helpline since sports betting legalization.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey supports the ban as a necessary measure to combat reckless gambling practices. The bill's introduction follows suspicions around micro-betting, with Hutchison referencing reports of athletes allegedly adjusting their plays to influence outcomes of micro bets. However, he did not specify individual cases.
The concerns over micro-betting have gained increased scrutiny, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressing skepticism about some micro bet types, suggesting they are particularly vulnerable to manipulation. This comes in the wake of three investigations into betting scandals involving micro-betting that have been opened in 2025.
Michael Savio, a sports betting industry writer based in Denver, has been covering these developments. When he is not betting on sports, Savio reports on the industry for Casino.com, providing accurate and easy-to-understand information for readers. His coverage includes the legislative efforts surrounding micro-betting and the increasing scrutiny on this betting style due to both compulsive gambling and integrity issues in sports.
As the debate on micro-betting continues, it remains to be seen whether the bill will pass and what impact it may have on the sports betting industry in New Jersey. However, one thing is clear: the issue of micro-betting and its potential dangers is gaining widespread attention and is a topic of ongoing discussion.
Sports betting, as defined by the rapid, live wagers on the immediate next play or action during a sporting event, has become a subject of concern due to its associated financial and emotional harms, potential game integrity risks, and its ease of manipulation. New Jersey Assemblyman Dan Hutchison, in introducing Bill A5971 in July 2025, seeks to ban micro-betting in the state to protect individuals from these potential dangers.
