
Pictured: Assembly Bill 4003 is a 2026 New Jersey proposal aimed at strengthening responsible gambling protections in sports betting. (Credit: Shutterstock)
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.
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.
The bill blocks sportsbooks from offering:
These offers would be banned only for players who have turned on responsible gambling tools.
Anyone using:
If a player chooses to limit their gambling, sportsbooks would not be allowed to tempt them with special offers.
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.
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.
The bill is sponsored by Assemblymembers:
All three are Democrats.
A4003 has:
Its companion bill, S3420, is still in a Senate committee. Neither bill has become law yet.
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:
A4003 is part of this broader push to strengthen consumer protections.
Some operators may argue that:
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:
It’s one of several steps New Jersey is considering to make the industry safer and more transparent.
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