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New Jersey lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would ban micro-betting, one of the fastest-growing segments of wagering on New Jersey sportsbooks.
Senate Bill S-2160, sponsored by Sens. Paul Moriarty and Patrick Diegnan, advanced out of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee on Monday.
The bill would prohibit operators from offering wagers on “micro-bets,” defined as live, in-game bets on the next play or action, such as whether the next pitch is a strike or if the next football play is a run or pass.
Lawmakers cite addiction and integrity concerns
Moriarty said micro-betting presents unique risks compared to traditional wagers.
“Micro-betting poses several risks to New Jersey and its residents. For one, micro-bets can more easily be rigged than betting on the outcome of an entire game, especially by insiders who may know ahead of time how a micro-bet or prop bet could play out, in turn misleading and disenfranchising the average player.”
Moriarty also pointed to the speed and volume of wagering as a key concern.
“They can also be incredibly addictive, as they are made based on short-term outcomes with quick payoffs. This enables bettors to place a higher volume of wagers in a shorter amount of time, leading to a vicious cycle of excessive, impulsive, and financially irresponsible gambling.”
Diegnan echoed those concerns, emphasizing how micro-betting can intensify existing gambling behaviors:
“Betting and gambling are already addictive, but goading players with the possibility of endless opportunities to bet during games makes micro-bets significantly more dangerous.
“Through micro-bets, bettors have the opportunity to spend more money and more time on gambling, an incredibly slippery slope that frequently leads to addiction and major financial losses.”
What the bill would do
If enacted, S-2160 would ban operators from offering or accepting micro-bets entirely.
The legislation also establishes penalties for violations. Any operator or individual accepting a prohibited wager would face a disorderly persons offense, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per violation.
The advancement out of committee marks an early but important step as lawmakers continue to scrutinize emerging wagering products.
Part of a broader responsible gambling push
The micro-betting ban is part of a wider effort led by Moriarty to strengthen responsible gambling protections in New Jersey.
Earlier this year, lawmakers introduced a package of bills targeting different aspects of online gambling practices, with Moriarty serving as a primary sponsor on several measures. Among the proposals:
- A bill requiring operators to clearly offer and disclose tools such as deposit, wagering, and time limits
- Legislation banning operators from targeting promotions to players already using responsible gambling safeguards
- A measure to prohibit the use of credit cards for online gambling
Together, the bills aim to curb risky player behavior and reshape how operators interact with customers in the state’s mature wagering market.
Moriarty introduced the micro-betting bill late in 2025, but it failed to advance much.
Moriarty central to next phase of regulation
Moriarty’s involvement across multiple pieces of legislation positions him as a leading figure in New Jersey’s evolving approach to gambling regulation.
His latest effort reflects a broader shift in Trenton, where lawmakers are increasingly focused on consumer protections as wagering products become more complex and fast-paced.
With S-2160 now advancing and several related bills in play, New Jersey could be on track to adopt some of the most aggressive responsible gambling measures in the country.
