Sports betting has become a public health issue, lawmakers say

Two lawmakers have introduced bills in both the House and Senate intended to “address the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports betting in the United States.”

The SAFE Bet Act (H.R. 9590 and S. 5057) would prohibit sportsbook advertising during live sporting events and certain offers “designed to induce gambling,” such as “odds boosts” and “bonus” or “no sweat” bets.

The legislation also would prohibit operators from accepting more than five deposits from a customer in a 24-hour period, as well as require operators to conduct “affordability checks” on customers before accepting wagers of more than $1,000 in a 24-hour period or $10,000 in a 30-day period. Operators would be prohibited from accepting deposits via credit card. 

Additionally, the bill would ban the use of artificial intelligence to track individual gambling habits, offer tailored promotions or create gambling products such as “microbets.” 

“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime,” Rep. Paul Tonko (R-NY), sponsor of the House bill, said in a press release. “But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That’s resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage and their lives.

“We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is the sponsor of the Senate bill, which is with the Judiciary Committee. The House bill is with the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.