Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Paul Tonko have reintroduced the SAFE Bet Act, a federal legislative proposal aimed at regulating mobile sports betting and curbing predatory industry practices.
With mobile sports gambling expanding rapidly since the 2018 Supreme Court decision, the proposed legislation seeks to implement national standards for marketing, affordability checks, and the use of artificial intelligence within betting platforms.
A key provision of the SAFE Bet Act is the establishment of a national self-exclusion list. Senator Blumenthal underscored its importance, stating that “in some ways, the most important part of this bill is the self-exclusion list, because people want to break the addiction, they want to quit.” This measure would allow individuals struggling with gambling addiction to voluntarily prohibit themselves from accessing betting platforms, requiring sportsbooks to enforce these exclusions.
The bill also proposes banning proposition bets, which are wagers on specific in-game occurrences that can increase compulsive betting behaviour. Additionally, it calls for a Surgeon General’s report to assess the public health impact of widespread sports gambling. The overarching goal is to mitigate gambling-related harm without outlawing the industry, striking a balance between regulation and individual choice.
During the press conference announcing the bill’s reintroduction, problem gambling experts and affected families shared their experiences, reinforcing the urgency of federal oversight. Public health advocates argue that the unchecked expansion of sports betting has led to financial hardship and addiction, necessitating a framework that prioritises consumer protection.
The success of the SAFE Bet Act will depend on bipartisan support and the willingness of lawmakers to prioritize responsible gambling measures over industry influence. If enacted, the legislation could set a precedent for nationwide consumer safeguards, ensuring that the growing sports betting industry operates with greater accountability.
