New Jersey Bans Sports Betting Partnerships with Public Colleges to Protect Students
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed S-2155 into law, prohibiting public colleges and universities from entering partnerships with sports betting companies for advertising or promotional purposes. Sponsored by Senators Joe Cryan and John McKeon, the legislation aims to shield students from gambling-related ads on campuses, addressing a troubling rise in compulsive betting among young adults.
Curbing Gambling’s Reach on Campuses
S-2155 bans contracts between sports betting operators and public higher education institutions, including athletic departments and booster clubs, that allow advertising in stadiums, arenas, digital platforms, or broadcast content.
“The proliferation of sports betting by college students is a troubling trend that can have a destructive impact on their lives,” said Senator Cryan, chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee.
He highlighted the vulnerability of young people to compulsive gambling, noting that 6% of New Jersey college students exhibit problem gambling behaviors, per a 2024 Rutgers University study. The law seeks to create a safer campus environment by eliminating gambling promotions that could entrench harmful habits.
Protecting Student Well-Being
Senator McKeon emphasized the need for campuses to remain “sanctuaries for learning and healthy activities” rather than spaces inundated with gambling ads.
“They should not be enticed into gambling habits that can put them into debt and have corrosive effects on their psychological and emotional well-being,” he said.
The legislation responds to a 20% surge in sports betting ad spending on college campuses nationwide since 2022, per AdAge. By banning these partnerships, New Jersey aims to reduce exposure to ads that glamorize betting, which can lead to financial distress.
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