Voters green-lit a ballot question Tuesday that allows nonprofits to use money they collect from games of chance such as raffles and bingo to support their operations. That question was approved 64% to 36%, according to the Associated Press. Previously, only veterans and senior citizen groups could do so, while other nonprofits were limited to using such revenue in limited ways, such as for educational or religious purposes.

New Jersey allows people to wage on college athletic events held outside the Garden State, under a law signed in 2018 permitting betting in racetracks and casinos after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it that year.

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Since then, New Jersey has cashed in on the lucrative sports betting market and shattered national records, in September becoming the first state to take more than $1 billion worth of wagers in a month on sports games.

More than half the country now allows sports betting, though New Jersey has some of the strictest college sports betting rules. In contrast, thirteen states don't have any restrictions, according to the American Gaming Association.

New Jersey did not include college betting in its original 2011 referendum that approved sports betting because lawmakers were concerned student athletes would fix or throw games. Since then, the NCAA has allowed college athletes to be paid for endorsements and commercials, which legislators think reduces the chance that gambling could sway athletes' performance.

The ballot measure change could have been a boon for state coffers. New Jersey charges a 13% tax on online bets and 8.5% for in-person wagers. While the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services estimated the change would have boosted deposits to the state budget, local governments and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the office said it couldn't predict the exact amount.

The ballot measure allowing nonprofits to use winnings from games of chance for more purposes was intended to support organizations hit financially by the pandemic and the more than 30,000 people that work for them.

Ashley Balcerzak is a reporter covering affordable housing and its intersection of how we live in New Jersey. For unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: balcerzaka@northjersey.com

Twitter: @abalcerzak

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