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A bill that would prohibit New Jersey sportsbooks from offering online micro-betting advanced Monday after clearing the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.
Assembly Bill A3258 – sponsored by Assemblymen Dan Hutchison, Cody Miller, and Dave Bailey Jr. – would ban sports wagering operators from offering or accepting micro-bets through online platforms. However, bettors would still be able to place those wagers in person at retail properties and through self-service wagering kiosks at licensed gaming facilities.
The legislation comes as lawmakers continue to examine responsible gambling safeguards in one of the nation’s largest sports wagering markets. Hutchison, Miller and Bailey first introduced the bill in June 2025, which has been carried over into the 2026-2027 session.
The idea of micro-betting has picked up momentum as a companion bill in the Senate advanced earlier this year.
What is micro-betting?
Micro-bets are live proposition wagers tied to the next play or action during a sporting event.
Examples include wagering on whether the next pitch in a baseball game will be a strike, whether the next football play will be a run or pass – basically, the outcome of an immediately upcoming in-game event.
Unlike traditional sports wagers that focus on the final outcome of a game, micro-bets can be placed repeatedly throughout a contest, often within seconds of a previous wager being settled.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the speed and convenience of mobile wagering can encourage impulsive wagering behavior. Hutchison said in a statement:
“Sports betting has expanded significantly in recent years, and with that growth comes a responsibility to make sure safeguards evolve as well.
“Micro betting moves at a pace that leaves little time for reflection and can encourage impulsive decision-making. This legislation strikes a balance by preserving legal sports wagering while limiting one of its riskiest online forms.”
Lawmakers focus on responsible gambling
The bill would not eliminate micro-betting entirely. Instead, it would restrict the wagers to in-person retail books and approved wagering terminals at licensed facilities.
Miller said the proposal reflects the need for consumer protections as sports wagering technology continues to evolve:
“Technology has changed the way people engage with sports and gaming, but consumer protections need to keep pace.
“When wagers can be placed with a few taps every few seconds, it becomes easier for gambling to shift from entertainment to habit. This bill takes a measured approach to reducing that risk.”
New Jersey has been a national leader in sports wagering since legal wagering launched in 2018, regularly ranking among the top states for sports betting handle and revenue.
The rise of live wagering options has become a major growth driver, with operators increasingly offering wagers on individual plays and player outcomes.
What’s next for the bill?
Under A3258, a micro-bet is defined as a live proposition wager concerning the outcome of the next play or action during a sporting event.
Proposition bets generally refer to wagers that do not involve the final outcome of a game, such as player performances or specific in-game events.
Bailey said lawmakers have a duty to respond to concerns created by the growth of mobile wagering.
“The convenience of mobile wagering has changed the gambling landscape, and policymakers have a responsibility to address emerging concerns.
“By limiting online micro-betting, we can help promote responsible gaming while preserving the integrity of New Jersey’s sports wagering industry.”
Other RG bills at the statehouse
New Jersey lawmakers have made responsible gambling a legislative priority in 2026, advancing several measures aimed at increasing consumer protections.
Last month, a trio of responsible gambling bills moved forward, including legislation that would require operators to send monthly activity statements to customers.
Two additional bills focused on sports wagering protections also gained momentum in May.
The advancement of A3258 adds another responsible gambling proposal to the growing list of gaming-related reforms lawmakers are considering this session.
The bill now heads to the next stage of the legislative process.
