Garden State Times

Senator Kristin Corrado has put forward a new bill aiming to safeguard student-athletes by prohibiting certain types of sports betting. The legislation, introduced by Corrado (R-40), targets player-specific proposition bets on collegiate sports, with the goal of protecting the integrity of college athletics.

The proposed bill, known as S-3080, specifically defines proposition bets as side wagers on aspects of a sporting event unrelated to its final outcome. This includes bets on individual player statistics and predictions about which player will score first. By banning these types of bets in New Jersey, Senator Corrado hopes to address the growing issue of harassment faced by student-athletes in connection with such wagers.

In a statement, Corrado emphasized the importance of curbing the negative impacts of proposition betting, stating, “Proposition bets have led to a rise in the harassment of student-athletes and have threatened the integrity of college sports.” She further highlighted the need for protective measures, citing instances where student-athletes have been subjected to online harassment due to not meeting the expectations of bettors.

The introduction of this bill reflects a broader trend across the country, with several states, including Ohio, Maryland, and Louisiana, already having implemented similar bans on college proposition betting. These efforts are part of a larger movement to create a safer and more secure environment for student-athletes participating in collegiate sports.