Moriarty Bill to Ban Microbetting in Play for New Jersey Sports Betting

By Frank Ammirante, Deadspin.com

KEY POINTS

• New Jersey moving forth with potential micro-betting ban

• MLB restrictions on micro-betting doesn’t address responsible gaming concerns

• Outright ban could influence other states to follow suit

New Jersey lawmakers are moving ahead with a proposal to restrict certain micro-bets, even as major leagues and betting operators introduce new limits of their own. The effort reflects growing concern among regulators about the integrity risks of live, play-by-play betting features.

While some states appear satisfied with recent industry-led adjustments, New Jersey officials say additional action may be necessary, setting the stage for a broader debate over how far regulation should go.

Microbetting restrictions advance in New Jersey

Under Senate Bill 4794, microbets are defined as “live proposition wagers tied to the next play or immediate in-game action.” New Jersey state senator Paul Moriarty is moving forward with a proposal to ban these “microbets” statewide, despite recent efforts by Major League Baseball and sportsbook operators toimpose tighter controls on rapid-fire wagering markets.

MLB has already introduced limits on pitch-level betting, capping wagers at $200 and removing those markets from parlays. This comes after integrity concerns stemming from an indictment involving two pitchers accused of manipulating pitch outcomes.

These league-driven measures have slowed momentum for a broader crackdown in Ohio, where Gov. Mike DeWine has praised MLB’s actions and signaled a pause on pursuing a full statewide ban.

In New Jersey, however, Moriarty and his co-sponsors argue that industry changes are not enough to curb the addictive nature of rapid betting or reduce incentives for misconduct.

They say SB4794 aims to address problems such as the pace of wagering, the limited decision-making time for bettors, and the high volume of bets that can be placed in quick succession. If enacted, the legislation would impose fines of $500 to $1,000 per violation on operators offering prohibited microbet markets.

Issues with MLB limit on micro-betting

Putting a $200 limit on micro-betting may prevent players from manipulating results because those who engaged in gambling scandals looked towards more high-stakes wagers. Therefore, in terms of preserving game integrity, MLB’s restrictions could be effective.

However, this limit doesn’t address concerns over responsible gaming, which is why New Jersey lawmakers are still pursuing an outright ban.

Since micro-bets settle extremely quickly, this allows users to continuously make bets, potentially racking up more debt. This is problematic for players who have gambling addictions. By banning these types of bets, New Jersey lawmakers are seeking to emphasize player safety.

Potential impact on sports betting industry

If New Jersey moves forward with a full microbetting ban, the decision could ripple across both the betting industry. Sportsbooks may need to reconfigure their in-game wagering menus, removing some of the most rapid-settling bet types that drive engagement and high-frequency activity.

While operators often rely on these markets to boost user interaction, the proposed restrictions could push them to emphasize slower, more traditional wager types.

For bettors, particularly those vulnerable to compulsive gambling behaviors, the change could reduce access to some of the riskiest forms of wagering. Lawmakers backing the ban argue this would create a safer environment by limiting opportunities for rapid, repeated bets that can quickly escalate losses.

As other states watch New Jersey’s approach and weigh the balance between innovation, consumer protection, and game integrity, the outcome of this legislation could influence future regulatory decisions nationwide.