New Jersey Wants to Cover 2026 World Cup Costs Through Bookmakers

New Jersey lawmakers have proposed temporary surcharges on sports betting operators and other businesses to help cover costs linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gambling Insider reported that bills introduced in the state Senate and Assembly would add a levy on online sports betting revenue tied to the tournament.

The proposal would impose a 10% surcharge on World Cup-related sports betting revenue from June 12 to July 20, 2026.

The revenue would be used to help offset costs associated with hosting World Cup matches in New Jersey.

The surcharge would apply to Atlantic City casinos, online sportsbooks and horse racing permit holders that offer online wagering. It would be calculated on operators’ gross gaming revenue from World Cup betting — revenue left after payouts to players. Operators would have to pay the levy by August 10, 2026.

MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19.

If approved, the measures would affect operators offering online sports betting in the state. Brands active in New Jersey include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, ESPN Bet, betPARX and Prime Sports.

The proposed surcharges would not be limited to the betting market. The bills also include a 2.5% hotel occupancy surcharge, a 3% surcharge on sales in the Meadowlands district, where MetLife Stadium is located, and a $0.50 surcharge on rideshare trips involving the district.

Gambling Park notes that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 and will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.