(TRENTON) – Sports wagering has become wildly popular in New Jersey since it was approved in 2018, but certain collegiate events have been prohibited to bettors. Assembly Democrats Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey (D- Both Monmouth) sponsor a resolution to ask voters to amend the State Constitution. The measure passed by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee on Wednesday, would permit sports wagering through casinos and current or former racetracks on collegiate athletic competitions if approved by New Jersey voters in the November election.
If approved, the amendment (ACR-200) would permit wagering even if the event takes place in New Jersey.
New Jersey is home to many high-level collegiate athletic teams and will host the East Regional, 2025 NCAA “March Madness” Men’s College Basketball Tournament.
Upon committee approval of the amendment, Houghtaling and Downey issued the following joint statement:
“Out of the twenty-six states that have approved legal sports wagering, New Jersey is the only one to not allow wagering on collegiate sporting events. If approved by the people of New Jersey, this amendment will allow for further growth in the sports wagering industry.
“Events and tournaments such as March Madness are highly anticipated by sports bettors all over the country. With a majority vote, we will be able to give the people in New Jersey the opportunity to place wages on our collegiate teams and continue to enjoy the sporting events in our State.”