New Jersey Eyes Sports Betting Surcharge for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Posted on: May 7, 2026, 05:52h.
Last updated on: May 7, 2026, 05:52h.
- New Jersey proposes temporary World Cup betting tax to offset hosting costs.
- Officials fear massive transportation and security expenses during 2026 tournament.
- Lawmakers say FIFA should contribute more toward New Jersey infrastructure costs.
Concerned about the financial burden of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill that would temporarily raise taxes on sports bets tied to the tournament.
The legislation, introduced in both chambers by Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-36th) and Assemblyman Michael Venezia (D-34th), would add a 10% surcharge to all online wagers in the New Jersey market on World Cup games, including player prop bets, after payouts to winning bettors are deducted.
New Jersey’s MetLife stadium is the marquee venue of the tournament, staging eight matches, including the final on July 19. But there is anxiety about costs, particularly around transportation and security.
$62M Bill
State officials said NJ Transit faced roughly a $62 million bill to move fans safely because parking near the stadium will largely be restricted during matches.
This has led to a controversial proposal to charge more than $100 round-trip for trains from New York Penn Station to the stadium, compared with the normal fare of about $13. The proposal has triggered a backlash from fans, politicians, and even FIFA itself.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has repeatedly argued that FIFA should contribute more financially. She said the state “inherited” agreements where FIFA contributed “zero” dollars toward transportation costs despite expecting around $11 billion in tournament revenue.
Sarlo has previously argued FIFA should stump up some of the bill:
“We should not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders at the expense of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ Transit,” he said. “If FIFA would just commit to chipping in a small fraction of the huge amount of money they claim they’ll make from the World Cup, then we could easily avoid forcing New Jerseyans to pick up the tab for proposed train ticket costs.”
Cost Crunch
Sarlo’s bill would impose temporary surcharges on sports bets between June 12 and July 20, 2026. This would apply to Atlantic City casinos, online sportsbooks, and horse racing permit holders offering online sports betting.
It would also add a 2.5% surcharge on hotel occupancy, a 3% rise in sales tax within the Meadowlands district on retail purchases, prepared food, alcohol, and amusement admissions, and a $0.50 surcharge on rideshare trips involving the Meadowlands district.
Sherrill has argued that the state must recoup the costs of hosting the tournament without placing the burden on everyday commuters and taxpayers.
Meanwhile, supporters say the tournament could generate billions in economic activity for New Jersey through tourism, hospitality spending, and international exposure.
No comments yet