If a recent poll is any indication, New Jersey voters may not be inclined to expand sports betting to include local college teams, the only question on the November ballot.
The Assembly last month approved a resolution, SCR-133, asking voters if they want to allow gamblers to bet on college sports involving New Jersey teams, as well as any collegiate games played within the state. These are currently prohibited under the state’s three-year old sports betting law and would need voter approval. Lawmakers want, in particular, to be able to collect revenue from the NCAA Eastern Regional basketball finals expected to be held in New Jersey in 2025. The state taxes sports-wagering revenue at 8.5% for in-person betting and 13% for Internet wagers.
But an FDU Poll last week said voters oppose the expansion by a two-to-one margin, with only 25% saying they support the change. Meanwhile, 49% stated they oppose betting on college sports, another 23% were unsure. With the election still four months away, people have plenty of time to change their minds.
