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New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill that would temporarily raise money through special surcharges tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The measure, HB4838, was introduced by Assemblyman Michael Venezia on Monday and includes a 10% tax on online sports wagers placed on World Cup matches, with casinos and horse racing operators required to pay the levy on net betting revenue.
The proposal is part of a broader package designed to offset the costs of hosting eight tournament games, including the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Alongside the betting surcharge, the bill also outlines temporary fees on hotels, sales in the Meadowlands district, and rideshare trips connected to the stadium.
Temporary surcharges go beyond sports betting
The legislation does more than target sportsbooks. From June 12 through July 20, 2026, hotel stays across most counties would carry an extra 2.5% fee, while sales of food, drinks, and event tickets in the Meadowlands district would face a 3% surcharge.
Rideshare trips to and from the stadium would also include a $0.50 fee. These charges are designed to funnel money into the state’s General Fund to help cover the costs of preparing for the World Cup.
To ease the burden on residents, the bill allows individuals to claim a tax credit for surcharges they personally pay during that period.
As for the 10% tax on online sports wagers, it applies to bets placed on matches, series of matches, or even individual player statistics during the tournament. Payments must be made by August 10, 2026, and the Division of Gaming Enforcement will oversee compliance.
Potential $2 million revenue for NJ
How much New Jersey could earn from its proposed World Cup betting surcharge depends on the size of the market and the hold sportsbooks achieve.
Legal online wagering did not exist when the US last hosted the tournament in 1994, so there is no direct comparison. But projections give a sense of scale. The American Gaming Association estimated that $1.8 billion was wagered nationally on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For 2026, Vegas Insider expects that figure to climb to $3 billion.
New Jersey is one of the three largest betting states in the country, accounting for about 8 percent of national handle. Based on the $3 billion projection, that share would equal roughly $240 million in wagers placed within the state.
According to InGame, if sportsbooks hold 10% of that amount, taxable revenue would reach $24 million. Adding the proposed 10 percent surcharge on World Cup bets would bring in close to $2.4 million for New Jersey, giving lawmakers a clearer picture of how the temporary tax could support hosting costs.
