As of today, February 5, 2025, the debate over the future of sports betting in the U.S. continues to gain momentum following the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing titled “America’s High-Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling.” The December hearing placed sports gambling under a national spotlight, addressing concerns over addiction, consumer protections, and the role of federal versus state regulations.
Now, stakeholders are closely watching how Congress will respond and whether the SAFE Bet Act could change the landscape of sports betting in the country.
Key Testimonies Highlight Concerns
During the hearing, several high-profile figures provided testimony, offering starkly different perspectives on the future of sports betting.
- Charlie Baker, NCAA President, voiced deep concerns about betting on college athletes, stating that over 50% of college students aged 18 to 22 engage in sports betting. He pushed for banning proposition bets (prop bets) on individual college athletes to prevent harassment. “We believe that when bettors can't gamble on individual performances, they're far less likely to scrutinize or harass student-athletes,” Baker emphasized.
- Former NFL player Johnson Bademosi described the mental health toll gambling has taken on athletes. "We cannot ignore the effects of gambling on players who face constant pressure and even threats from bettors." His testimony resonated strongly, as many professional athletes have reported receiving threats from disgruntled gamblers.
- Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute, drew a parallel between gambling companies and Big Tobacco, criticizing their aggressive marketing strategies. He argued that gambling addiction is a growing public health crisis that must be addressed with strict advertising regulations. "We’re talking about addiction, and these companies are using the same playbook as the tobacco industry did decades ago."
- David L. Rebuck, former Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, defended state-level regulation, arguing that a strong framework already exists to protect consumers. He stressed that federal intervention might disrupt established regulations in states that have successfully implemented safeguards.
- Keith S. Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, underscored the rising rates of gambling addiction. He called for more funding for addiction prevention programs and stricter advertising policies to curb problematic gambling behavior.
The SAFE Bet Act and Industry Pushback
One of the main points of discussion was the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act), introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Paul Tonko. The bill aims to create nationwide standards for sports betting advertising, enforce deposit limits, and ban certain types of bets to protect consumers.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) and industry leaders strongly opposed the bill. AGA Senior Vice President Joe Maloney stated: “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.” The AGA argues that current state regulations are sufficient and that federal intervention would be unnecessary overreach.
Additionally, a separate antitrust investigation into DraftKings and FanDuel was discussed. Senators Mike Lee and Peter Welch have requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate whether these companies are engaging in anti-competitive practices that harm smaller operators and limit consumer choices.
Debate on Federal vs. State Regulation
The fundamental question remains: Should the federal government step in to regulate sports betting, or should it remain a state-level issue?
- Supporters of federal oversight argue that a patchwork of state laws creates loopholes, leaving consumers vulnerable. They believe that a federal framework would ensure uniform protections, especially regarding advertising standards, deposit limits, and responsible gaming measures.
- Opponents, including Nevada Rep. Dina Titus, insist that states are best equipped to regulate gambling and that federal intervention would be an overreach. Many states have spent years refining their gambling laws, and adding federal restrictions could disrupt existing regulatory frameworks.
What’s Next?
As of today, no immediate vote has been scheduled on federal sports betting regulations, but the debate is far from over.
- The SAFE Bet Act remains under review, and further hearings are expected in the coming months.
- Some states are already considering individual bans on proposition bets for college athletes, following Baker’s testimony.
- The FTC is expected to respond soon regarding the DraftKings and FanDuel antitrust investigation.
While Congress weighs its options, sports betting continues to expand, with more states introducing new regulations. The next few months will be critical in determining whether federal intervention is inevitable or if states will retain full control.
For a full view of the hearing, watch the official Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on sports gambling:
