New Jersey lawmakers are currently discussing a new bill that would prohibit player prop bets in college sports. The reason behind this proposed ban is the increasing amount of hate and harassment that athletes receive from angry bettors. This issue has become a growing concern, with student-athletes facing backlash after games when they fail to meet certain individual performance targets, such as passing yards or total points scored.
One notable example of this type of scrutiny involved Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne, who recently shared that he received numerous hateful messages after throwing four interceptions in a game against California. Some individuals even went as far as asking Thorne to reimburse them for the money they had lost on their wagers. Thorne expressed his frustration at how bettors never reach out to athletes when they win their bets and do not offer to share any of their winnings.
The NCAA is actively advocating for state regulators to ban sportsbooks from accepting individual player prop bets for college sports. Several states, including Ohio, Arizona, New York, and Pennsylvania, have already implemented these new regulations. A recent study conducted by the NCAA revealed that one in three student-athletes participating in high-profile sports have experienced harassment from bettors.
New Jersey, being a prominent state for sports betting in terms of both handle and revenue, is at the forefront of this issue. Bill A4905, which calls for a ban on prop bets, has made significant progress by swiftly passing in an Assembly committee. However, the bill still needs approval from both chambers before it can be presented to Governor Phil Murphy for signing.
Despite the push for a prop bet ban, there are opposing views on the matter. Bill Pascrell III, a lobbyist in the gaming industry, argues that the harm caused by these markets is not significant enough to warrant a ban. He points out that college prop bets only make up a small percentage of total wagers and warns that people may turn to the black market to place their bets if these options are removed.
It is important to note that harassment from bettors is not limited to college sports, as many professional athletes also face negative comments and criticism during games or on social media. Furthermore, athletes are not immune to engaging in match-fixing by manipulating prop markets. A recent example of this occurred when Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was banned for life from the NBA for intentionally leaving games early to avoid hitting individual prop bet targets.
In conclusion, the issue of harassment and hate directed towards athletes from bettors is a serious concern that is prompting legislative action in New Jersey. While there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of banning player prop bets, the protection of athletes and the integrity of sports competitions remain top priorities. It is crucial for lawmakers to carefully consider all perspectives and potential consequences before making a decision on this matter.