Published on: December 17, 2024, 01:14h.
Last updated on: December 17, 2024, 01:14h.
The United States Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing today regarding the need for federal oversight in the legal sports betting industry. Shockingly, no prominent figures from the operational side of the sports betting sector were present as witnesses at the event.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, under the guidance of Presiding Chair Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), organized a hearing titled, “America’s High-Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling.” This hearing focused on the proposed legislation known as the SAFE Bet Act, introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Paul Tonko. The aim of this act is to impose federal regulations on states with legal sports gambling.
If the SAFE Bet Act is approved by Congress and the president, it will restrict television sports betting ads during specific hours, implement affordability checks for high-volume bettors, set daily deposit limits, and prohibit the use of artificial intelligence for personalized promos by sportsbooks.
Additionally, terms like “risk-free” in advertising would be banned. The Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing featured mostly supporters of federal oversight on sports betting, neglecting representatives from the gaming industry who contested the need for such intervention.
NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized the potential risks associated with certain types of bets. The committee also heard from Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, who highlighted the negative impacts of expanded sports betting on a national level.
Former NFL player Johnson Bademosi expressed concerns over the dehumanization of players due to increased fan engagement through sports betting. Harry Levant, a gambling counselor and advocate, labeled the current state of the industry as a “public health crisis.”
Levant further stated that online betting is ruining lives and families, advocating for stricter regulations. The absence of industry representatives, particularly the American Gaming Association, from the hearing drew criticism for not providing a balanced perspective on the issue.
AGA Perspective
The American Gaming Association, a key player in shaping state gambling laws, was notably absent from the hearing. While other topics were discussed, the AGA was not given a platform to defend the industry’s position on sports betting regulation.
The AGA opposes the SAFE Bet Act, arguing that it undermines state-level efforts to ensure a safe and responsible sports betting environment. Their absence from the hearing left a void in the discussion on consumer protection and responsible gaming practices.
The lack of industry representation at the hearing deprives the committee of valuable insights on consumer protection and responsible gaming practices. The AGA remains committed to state regulatory frameworks that prioritize consumer safety and integrity in sports betting,” said Joe Maloney, AGA Senior VP of Strategic Communications, in a statement to Casino.org.
Despite not having a voice at the hearing, the AGA continues to advocate for state-led regulatory efforts that balance consumer protection and industry growth in the sports betting sector.