Committee on the Judiciary discusses the future of sports betting
The committee discussed athlete harassment and problem gambling concerns.
Key Points
- Lawmakers have pitched a bill that could impose a federal restrictions on state sports betting
- The AGA responded to the hearing, saying the hearing ‘lacked industry witness’
The US Senate Committee on the Judiciary recently conducted a two-hour hearing in Washington DC to discuss potential legislation that would place restrictions on nationwide sports betting, as reported by the New York Times.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, who is on the committee, recently introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet act (SAFE Bet), which would establish a federal ban on sports betting.
SAFE Bet would require these states to apply for licensing through the US Justice Department. Applications would be reviewed by the US Attorney General, with approval periods lasting three years.
Illinois Senator and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee Richard J. Durbin said that in the years since PASPA was overturned, sports betting “had become a public health issue.”
“I think there is a feeling on both sides of the table that we need to address this,” he further commented.
The committee also heard discussion regarding student athlete harassment.
The Supreme Court lifted the ban on nationwide sports betting in May 2018. Since that decision, 38 States and the District of Columbia have opened legal and regulated sports betting markets.
Missouri voters recently gave the green light to bring legal sports wagering to the state during the November election.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) reported that Americans placed $30bn in legal sports wagers during the last quarter.
Nearly 2.5 million adults throughout the US “may have a severe gambling problem,” according to estimates from The National Council on Problem Gambling.
However, some in attendance pushed back against potential federal oversight within the industry.
Good to know: Blumenthal and Representative Paul Tonko proposed this legislation during the fall
Former New Jersey regulator and gaming association consultant David Rebuck addressed the committee and said federal oversight was “clearly not needed.”
He went on to say he believes that state and Tribal jurisdictions “were best equipped to address the issues raised at the hearing,” according to the New York Times report.
AGA Senior Vice President Joe Maloney responded to the hearing in a statement, “Today’s hearing notably lacked an industry witness. This unfortunate exclusion leaves the Committee and the overall proceeding bereft of testimony on how legal gaming protects consumers from the predatory illegal market and its leadership in promoting responsible gaming and safeguarding integrity.
“We remain committed to robust state regulatory frameworks that protect consumers, promote responsibility, and preserve integrity of athletic competition.”
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