New Jersey Representative Michael Venezia has introduced Assembly Bill 4838 in the hopes of generating additional tax revenue by implementing a 10% surcharge for all wagers placed on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
AB 4838 would also implement a 2.5% surcharge for certain hotel stays, 3% for the sale of prepared food, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, 3% on amusement admission charges and a $0.50 surcharge for prearranged rideshares.
The surcharge on World Cup betting would include “any match or series of matches” for all 48 countries participating in the tournament, and extends to money line, total, spread and player prop betting markets.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) would have the authority to regulate World Cup surcharges, while all proceeds go toward the state’s Casino Revenue Fund.
AB 4838 was referred to the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, but has already gained support from New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill who previously endorsed World Cup taxes.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 until July 19, with New Jersey serving as the host for eight matches throughout the tournament, including the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium.
In New Jersey’s ongoing legal battle with prediction markets, regulators officially watched the deadline to file for a rehearing in its case against Kalshi pass on April 20, potentially looking ahead to a July 6 deadline to file a petition with the US Supreme Court.
The July 6 deadline could also be extended for up to 60 days if good cause is provided by New Jersey regulators.
The Third Circuit Appeals Court in New Jersey affirmed the preliminary injunction issued in favor of Kalshi on April 6, ruling that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has “exclusive jurisdiction” over the operator and the trading of sports-related event contracts.
The New Jersey Lottery unveiled the 18 winners of its ‘Jersey Top Dogs’ contest on April 29, with each photo, name and hometown placed on the organization’s new ‘Jersey Dog’ scratch-off tickets
