Listen to this article

Tuesday marks six years since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which set the stage for legal sports betting across the nation.

Following that verdict, New Jersey lawmakers passed legislation to allow sports betting at New Jersey casinos and racetracks.

“Today, we’re finally making the dream of legalized sports betting a reality for New Jersey,” Gov. Phil Murphy said when he signed that bill into law June 11, 2018. “I’m thrilled to sign Assembly Bill 4111 because it means that our casinos in Atlantic City and our racetracks throughout our state can attract new businesses and new fans, boosting their own long-term financial prospects. This is the right move for New Jersey, and it will strengthen our economy.”

New Jersey officially launched its retail market three days later on June 14. Its online platform followed shortly after, on Aug. 6, 2018.

Since that time, the sports betting market has boomed — with the Garden State becoming an industry leader in the process.

$469.3 million in tax revenue

To mark the anniversary of the landmark ruling, the American Gaming Association (AGA) touted the benefits of the legal sports betting market here in Jersey.

Highlights include:

• Generating $469.3 million in tax revenue
• Helping law enforcement crack down on illegal gambling and bringing sports fans who want to bet into a transparent, legal, regulated market
• Protecting the integrity of games, strengthening consumer protections, and providing tools to help fans bet responsibly

“The legal sports betting market is delivering critical tax revenue to serve state and community needs while protecting consumers from the illegal market,” the AGA said. The group noted the illegal market has shrunk by nearly 60%, from $150 billion a year to $64 billion.

The rapid growth of online wagering has also led to increased efforts centered around integrity, safety and responsible gaming in New Jersey. Those efforts aim to protect vulnerable and addicted gamblers – especially young people – as well as safeguard from fraud, illegal operators and bad actors.

The AGA stressed the industry’s responsible gaming efforts, such as:

• Training employees to spot players who might need help;
• Deploying leading-edge technology to identify potential risky betting patterns and support positive intervention strategies;
• Funding research into preventing and treating problem gambling;
• Adhering to a strict Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering; and more.

The group also points out that 95% of its members’ ad impressions were delivered to audiences of 21 and older. Additionally, 77% of online sports bets today are placed through regulated operators – up from 44% in 2019.

In March, Attorney General Matthew Platkin launched a nearly year-long public awareness campaign centered on preventing problem gambling and providing resources and support for responsible gaming.

“Legalization has moved gambling out of the shadows, and for most people, legalized gaming does not create a health issue,” said Platkin. “However, it is incumbent upon us to provide stronger solutions for those who do struggle with gambling, whether that means through comprehensive prevention and support strategies, such as our responsible gaming initiatives, or stronger treatment and recovery services for problem gamblers.”