If you're in New Jersey and wondering why you can't place bets on this week's Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games of the NCAA Tournament, you're not alone. For those missing some college basketball games at legal sportsbooks, the reason is simple yet often overlooked: New Jersey state law.
One of the sites for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight this weekend is Newark, N.J, at The Prudential Center.
In New Jersey, it’s illegal to place bets on any college games that take place within the state or involve New Jersey-based teams.
This means that even though the East Region Sweet 16 games, like No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 6 BYU and No. 1 Duke vs. No. 4 Arizona, are showcased on the biggest stage, you won't find legal betting options within the state.
As a result, bettors hoping to place wagers on Thursday’s matchups or Saturday’s subsequent game between Thursday's winners will have to look beyond New Jersey borders for their betting options.
It's a reminder of the varied landscape of sports betting regulations across the United States. While some states like New York allow betting on games held within the state — as long as they don't involve in-state teams — others, like New Jersey, hold stricter rules.
No. 2 Alabama and No. 6 BYU will meet first on Thursday out of the East region, slated for a 7:09 p.m. ET tip. Duke vs. Arizona will then follow, and the winners of both games will meet on Saturday.
College Sports Betting Rules by State
No wagering on in-state teams or player props.
Betting on in-state teams is allowed, but player props are not.
Betting on futures is allowed during tournaments for in-state teams, but betting on individual games involving in-state teams is not. That means betting on UConn to win the NCAA Tournament is allowed, but betting on their first-round game is not.
You cannot bet on Illinois teams online, but betting is allowed in person at retail locations. Player props and live betting are unavailable for in-state teams.
Wagering on in-state teams is allowed, as are pre-game player props.
Betting on in-state teams is allowed, but player props are not.
There are no restrictions on in-state college teams.
There are no restrictions on in-state college teams.
New Jersey
Wagering is not allowed on in-state teams or games played in the state.
Betting on college sports is not allowed.
Betting is not allowed on in-state teams or college games played in the state.
Betting on in-state teams is not allowed, but betting on games played in the state is legal.
Betting on in-state teams is allowed, but player props are not.
Betting on in-state teams is not allowed, nor is it allowed to bet on college sports played in the state.
Betting on in-state teams is allowed, but prop bets are not.
Betting on in-state teams is not allowed. Neither are prop bets.
Betting on in-state teams is allowed, but prop bets are not.
Wyoming
There are no restrictions on betting on college teams.
