TLDR New Jersey lawmakers introduced bill HB4838 to add a 10% surcharge on online sports bets placed on 2026 FIFA World Cup matches The tax applies to net betting revenue from wagers on matches, series, and individual player stats during the tournament Beyond betting, the bill includes temporary fees on hotels (2.5%), Meadowlands district sales (3%), and rideshare trips ($0.50) to MetLife Stadium The surcharges run from June 12 through July 20, 2026, with all revenue going to the state’s General Fund to offset hosting costs The betting surcharge alone could generate roughly $2.4 million based on projected national handle of $3 billion
New Jersey is looking to tap into sports betting revenue to help pay for hosting eight 2026 FIFA World Cup games, including the tournament final at MetLife Stadium.
A new bill introduced Monday by Assemblyman Michael Venezia would place a temporary 10% surcharge on online sports wagers tied to the World Cup. The measure, HB4838, requires casinos and horse racing operators to pay the levy on net betting revenue from tournament-related bets.
The tax covers wagers on matches, series of matches, and even individual player statistics. Payments would be due by August 10, 2026, with the Division of Gaming Enforcement overseeing compliance.
The bill is part of a larger package of temporary fees designed to help the state cover the costs of preparing for and hosting the global soccer tournament.
New Jersey will host eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The venue will also host the tournament final, making it one of the most high-profile locations in the 2026 event.
Temporary Fees Extend Beyond Sportsbooks
The legislation goes further than just targeting betting operators. From June 12 through July 20, 2026, hotel stays across most New Jersey counties would carry