Published on: November 28, 2025, 07:17h.
Updated on: November 28, 2025, 07:17h.
- Recent legal actions prompt Congressional inquiry into sports betting
- Analysis predicts probable outcomes from Congressional investigation
The responsibility of regulating gambling is traditionally assigned to individual states. This trend intensified following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling declaring the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), which banned sports betting nationwide except in certain cases, unconstitutional.
What’s Prompting Congressional Attention on Sports Betting Now?
Recent allegations involving players from the MLB and NBA of manipulating game outcomes to gain betting advantages have ignited serious concerns regarding sports integrity.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has initiated formal inquiries, demanding comprehensive disclosures from MLB and other major leagues regarding their responses to these allegations.
Some legislators contend that the inconsistent patchwork of state regulations is inadequate for overseeing a national industry. Issues such as aggressive marketing tactics and the rise of gambling addiction, particularly among young men, have raised red flags.
Should Congress Intervene?
While sports betting has historically been governed at the state level, Congress is now considering whether national intervention is essential to protect consumers, ensure the integrity of sports, and bridge the regulatory gaps created by the varied state rules.
Although states determine the legality of betting, Congress possesses extensive authority over interstate commerce, and modern sports betting transcends state lines.
Thus, Congress could indeed impose regulations on sports betting—including possible bans or restrictions on specific wager types. However, it lacks the power to compel states to enact or enforce their own laws, similar to its inability with PASPA’s mandates.
What Can Be Expected Moving Forward?
The rise of in-game “prop” betting, where wagers are placed on specific events during games rather than final scores, has garnered attention following recent scandals. Critics argue that this betting format fosters an environment conducive to match-fixing since it allows athletes to manipulate smaller aspects of a game more easily than overarching outcomes.
Could Congress Prohibit In-Game Betting?
Legally, Congress has the authority to do so, because sports betting falls under the umbrella of interstate commerce. However, politically speaking, a ban is unlikely due to potential backlash from states reliant on the tax revenue, sportsbooks, sports leagues that monetize live data, and millions of bettors.
Final Thoughts
Rather than outright bans, it’s more plausible that Congress is aiming to establish a national framework for the sports betting industry—creating a “regulatory baseline” encompassing responsible gaming guidelines, age verification measures, comprehensive data reporting, and possibly specific limitations on higher-risk in-game betting formats.