NJ sportsbooks received an order to halt betting on the Citrus Bowl between Purdue and LSU because of concerns related to “an individual” with the Purdue football team.
LSR confirmed with an industry source a report by ESPN about the abrupt NJ sports betting ban from the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). While the DGE order did not specifically name the individual, the source also confirmed it is Boilermakers interim coach Drew Brees.
Brees worked as a spokesperson for PointsBet Superbook until earlier this month. After the presumptive Hall of Fame quarterback accepted an interim coaching position with his alma mater, PointsBet ended its marketing deal with Brees.
PointsBet statement on Drew Brees
The sportsbook heavily promoted Brees just days earlier in an ill-fated marketing stunt. Its move to sever ties with Brees, though, did not appear related to that incident.
The quarterback also reportedly received an equity stake in PointsBet when signing his deal in 2021. Such a stake for a coach would violate New Jersey law regarding sports betting.
A company statement read:
“PointsBet would like to congratulate Drew Brees on his appointment as Interim Assistant Coach for the Purdue Boilermakers. While this is an exciting next step in his career, after careful review, we have decided to end our ambassador partnership agreement with Drew. Regulatory and legal compliance, responsible gaming practices, and the integrity of legal sports betting are top priorities for our organization and this decision will allow us to uphold that commitment. We wish Drew all the best as he returns home to his alma mater.”
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for PointsBet declined to disclose how many years were left on Brees’s contract. Brees spent three years at Purdue before playing 20 seasons in the NFL.
NJ sportsbooks ruling touches another operator too
Scheduled for January 2, the Citrus Bowl features Purdue and LSU. The Tigers earlier this year agreed to a sports betting sponsorship deal with Caesars Sportsbook.
Per the ESPN report, all bets placed after December 15 are required to be voided by NJ sportsbooks.
New Jersey also does not allow wagering on in-state colleges. That law came under scrutiny during the 2022 March Madness tournament when NJ-based St. Peter’s went on a miracle run. In a twist, St. Peter’s defeated Purdue in the Sweet 16 to reach the Elite Eight.
