With the goal to curb the rapid expansion of sports betting, U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bill that seeks to ban in-game sports betting advertisements and prohibit bets on college athletes. The legislation, spearheaded by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), is designed to address the growing concerns over gambling addiction and the exploitation of young athletes.
The proposed legislation, known as the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act, includes several critical measures:
1. Ban on In-Game Betting Ads: The bill aims to eliminate advertisements promoting sports betting during live sporting events.
2. Prohibition of Bets on College Athletes: To protect college athletes from potential exploitation and undue pressure, the bill seeks to ban proposition bets on their performances.
3. Restrictions on Gambling Funding: The legislation also proposes to forbid the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts, aiming to prevent individuals from accumulating debt due to gambling.
4. Federal Standards for Sports Betting: The bill would require states that offer sports betting to comply with federal standards, ensuring a uniform approach to consumer protection across the country.
Sen. Blumenthal emphasized that the bill is a matter of public health, aiming to stop addiction and save lives.
“It is a matter of stopping addiction, saving lives, and making sure that young people particularly are protected against exploitation,” Blumenthal stated.
Rep. Tonko echoed these sentiments, highlighting the alarming rise in gambling disorders and the associated social costs.
The proposed legislation has faced strong opposition from the gambling industry. The American Gaming Association (AGA) criticized the bill, arguing that it undermines the efforts of state legislatures and gaming regulators who have developed tailored frameworks for sports betting in their jurisdictions. The AGA contends that the industry already operates under stringent regulations and contributes significantly to state economies through taxes.
As the debate over the SAFE Bet Act unfolds, it is clear that the bill represents a pivotal moment in the regulation of sports betting in the United States. With sports betting now legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., the outcome of this legislative effort could have far-reaching implications for the industry and its consumers.
