New Jersey senators Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo filed a proposed constitutional amendment to allow casinos at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands racetracks. The proposal requires approval by three-fifths of both legislative chambers before a statewide referendum; it has been referred to a Senate committee for initial review.
The proposal could allow two New Jersey racetracks to seek casino licences if lawmakers and voters approve it.
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New Jersey senators James Beach and Vincent Polistina proposed replacing criminal charges for underage gambling at casinos and simulcasting facilities with civil penalties. The bill sets fines of up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,000 for a third or later violation; it also covers licensees, employees and adults who knowingly allow underage gambling. The pre-filed measure must pass through the legislative process before it can reach the governor.
New Jersey senators Nicholas Scutari and Paul Sarlo introduced a bill to regulate prediction markets and require operators to obtain state permits. The proposal would add a 10% tax surcharge to prediction-market trades, including sports-related contracts, and set a $5 million initial licensing fee for firms offering sports contracts; it has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
New York state senator Nathalia Fernandez introduced two bills on 15 May to restrict billboard advertising for gambling and other products, and sent them to the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection. One bill would prohibit covered gambling adverts, while the other would require their removal when existing contracts end and, in some cases, replacement with public health messages.
Rhode Island senators Frank Ciccone, John Burke and Stefano Famiglietti introduced Senate Bill 3118 to expand online and retail sports betting in the state. The proposal would allow four to six operators and reduce the state’s revenue share from 51% to 12% after FY25 benchmarks are met; a Senate committee hearing is scheduled for 20 May.
US senators have introduced a bipartisan bill that would prohibit prediction-market contracts on sporting events and casino-like activities while allowing contracts with economic purposes such as hedging, according to the report. Senator Adam Schiff said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission lacks the staff and technical capacity to oversee the sector. Industry representatives dispute claims that the platforms should be treated as gambling.