New Jersey Electors Advocate for Regulation of Advertised Gambling Amidst Australia's Reduction in Gaming Commercials

Unleashing the News:

The betting world is witnessing some significant shifts, as Australia's largest bookmaker Sportsbet takes a bold step in self-regulation. They've decided to nix the live odds updates during NRL and AFL broadcasts, marking a response to the escalating public backlash against gambling ads. This decision follows a 40% reduction in legal sports betting advertising over the past year.

The move by Sportsbet is causing ripples globally, particularly in the US where states like New Jersey are grappling with similar issues.

A New Jersey Cry for Less Ads

A recent poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University revealed that an astounding 76% of New Jersey voters favor limits on gambling advertisements. Democrat, Republican, and independent voters share this sentiment, echoing the discontent seen in Australia as sports betting ads bombard TV screens and social media platforms, often targeting young audiences.

Dan Cassino, executive director of the FDU Poll, stated, "If either party is looking for a slam dunk issue in New Jersey, this is it. Even the groups most likely to take part in gambling, like young men, seem to be fed up with all of the ads."

Since the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, New Jersey has become one of the country's biggest gambling markets, with residents putting more than $46 billion on sportsbooks between 2021 and 2024. However, concerns over addiction and overexposure, particularly among young men, have sparked demands for regulatory action.

States Reining in the Ads

New Jersey lawmakers are now considering ad limits similar to those implemented by Australian sports betting sites. While no US company has voluntarily pulled live betting odds from broadcasts, federal legislation such as the SAFE Bet Act, proposed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), aims to restrict sports betting ads during live games and between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, legislators are also pushing for limitations on how much individuals can wager at sportsbooks in Connecticut. These shifts point towards a broader trend in the US towards more responsible gambling policies, echoing the measures already in motion in Australia.

As the debate over gambling advertising heats up, New Jersey could follow Australia's lead in curbing betting promotions, providing the relief that the vast majority of voters desire.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, the status of the SAFE Bet Act is as follows:

SAFE Bet Act Status: Introduced in 2024, the SAFE Bet Act aims to set federal standards for sports betting, including advertising restrictions during live sporting events and between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM[2]. However, the bill has stalled and cannot be acted upon until the legislature reconvenes in 2025[1].
Proposed Regulations: Among the regulations proposed in the SAFE Bet Act are restrictions on advertising during certain hours and live events, along with other measures such as prohibiting college player prop bets, banning the use of credit cards, and creating a national self-exclusion database[2].
State-Level Implementation: Several states, such as Illinois and Massachusetts, are incorporating similar restrictions from the SAFE Bet Act into their own legislation. New York has recently joined the ranks with Assemblymember Robert Carroll's bill, A 7962, which includes deposit and wagering limits[2].

As the conversation around gambling ads continues to evolve, the moves by New Jersey and other states could signal a significant leap towards stricter regulations inspired by the SAFE Bet Act.

Michael MolterAfter serving as a scout for college basketball at Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton and the University of Alabama under Anthony Grant, Michael transitioned to NBA content writing. A graduate of both institutions, he now focuses on legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews. Michael enjoys basketball, hiking, and kayaking when he's not glued to the TV watching mid-level tennis matches.

In response to escalating public backlash, Sportsbet, the largest bookmaker in Australia, has chosen self-regulation, deciding to halt live odds updates during NRL and AFL broadcasts.
This move by Sportsbet has sparked discussions globally, particularly in the US where states like New Jersey are grappling with similar issues.
A recent poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University revealed that 76% of New Jersey voters favor limits on gambling advertisements, with Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike expressing this sentiment.
Dan Cassino, executive director of the FDU Poll, stated that if either party is looking for a slam dunk issue in New Jersey, this is it, as both young men and voters most likely to take part in gambling seem fed up with the ads.
As a result of the Supreme Court lifting the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, New Jersey has become one of the country's biggest gambling markets, with residents putting over $46 billion on sportsbooks between 2021 and 2024.
Concerns over addiction and overexposure, particularly among young men, have led to demands for regulatory action in New Jersey, with lawmakers considering ad limits similar to those implemented by Australian sports betting sites.
Legislators in Connecticut are also pushing for limitations on individual wagers at sportsbooks, as moves to curb betting promotions could follow Australia's lead in creating more responsible gambling policies in the US.