New Jersey is once again looking at how to make sports betting safer.
Assembly Bill A4003, a proposal moving through the state legislature in 2026, focuses on one big idea: sportsbooks should not be allowed to send bonuses or promotions to people trying to limit their gambling.
This bill is part of a larger effort to strengthen responsible gambling protections as sports betting continues to grow in the state. Lawmakers in the Garden State have also promoted other measures that are part of a responsible gambling initiative started by former governor Phil Murphy in 2024, highlighting increased awareness of online gambling risks. There is a nationwide effort to promote safer gambling habits.
What Is Assembly Bill A4003?
A4003 is a proposal, from three New Jersey lawmakers, that would prevent sportsbooks from sending bonuses or promotions to players who are using responsible gambling tools. Lawmakers say this will help protect people who are trying to limit their gambling.
What Kinds of Promotions Would Be Banned?
The bill blocks sportsbooks from offering:
- Promotional credits
- Bonus bets
- Deposit matches
- Complimentary gifts or similar incentives
These offers would be banned only for players who have turned on responsible gambling tools.
What Happens if a Sportsbook Breaks the Rule?
Anyone using:
- Self‑exclusion (statewide or with a specific operator)
- Deposit limits
- Time limits or wagering limits
- Any other voluntary account restriction
If a player chooses to limit their gambling, sportsbooks would not be allowed to tempt them with special offers.
What happens if a sportsbook breaks the rule?
The operator could face a minimum fine of $500 for each violation.
The goal is simple: if a player chooses to set limits, sportsbooks shouldn’t tempt them with bonus bets or deposit matches that could undo those protections.
Why Do Lawmakers Think This Is Necessary?
New Jersey has one of the busiest sports betting markets in the country, often taking in over $1 billion in bets each month. With that level of activity, lawmakers say the state needs stronger guardrails to protect people who may be at risk of problem gambling.
Supporters argue that promotions can undermine a player’s decision to set limits. If someone is trying to cut back, a bonus offer might encourage them to gamble more than they intended.
Removing these offers is meant to make responsible gambling tools more effective.
Who Is Sponsoring A4003?
The bill is sponsored by Assemblymembers:
- Dan Hutchison
- Cody Miller
- Michael Venezia
All three are Democrats.
Where Does the Bill Stand Right Now?
A4003 has:
- Passed the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee unanimously
- Moved to the full Assembly for consideration
Its companion bill, S3420, is still in a Senate committee. Neither bill has become law yet.
How Does This Fit Into New Jersey’s Larger Gambling Debate?
New Jersey has one of the largest sports betting markets in the country, often taking in over $1 billion in bets each month. In 2026, lawmakers introduced several bills focused on:
- Account transparency
- Limits on advertising and push notifications
- Stronger rules for restricted accounts (covered in A4002)
A4003 is part of this broader push to strengthen consumer protections.
What Do Critics or Industry Groups Say?
Some operators may argue that:
- The bill limits their marketing options
- Players might avoid responsible gambling tools if they think they’ll lose access to promotions
Some bettors may welcome the protections, while others may feel the bill is too restrictive or reduces rewards for responsible play.
A4003 is about balancing two goals:
- Keeping sports betting legal and regulated
- Making sure people who want to limit their gambling are not pressured to keep betting
It’s one of several steps New Jersey is considering to make the industry safer and more transparent.
