US: New Proposal to Regulate Sports Betting
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Sports betting is a controversial subject around the world, not least in the United States.
Following the lifting by the US Supreme Court of the Federal ban in 2018, sports betting has mushroomed and has been legalised in 38 of the 50 States.
In fact, last year, the US betting industry posted a record turnover of US$11 billion, an increase of 44% on the previous year.
Two members of the US Congress, Richard Blumenthal and Paul Tonko, are introducing legislation, to address sports betting at the Federal level.
The new legislation will focus on affordability, advertising and AI, particularly to track players’ gambling habits, and will be known as the ’SAFE (Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet) Bet Act’. In particular, the Act aims to ensure that sports betting operators comply with minimum Federal standards and to address the health implications arising from legalised sports betting, especially gambling addiction.
Paul Tonko claims that:
“The relationship between the gambling industry and sports has reached intolerably dangerous levels, and it’s well past time for Congress to step up and make a difference.”
And Richard Blumenthal adds that:
“State regulation is faint-hearted and half-backed. That’s why we need a national standard – not to ban gambling – but simply to take back control of an industry that is out of bounds.”
The response from the American Gaming Association has been predictable, claiming that the sports betting industry has brought financial benefits, including tax contributions, and, furthermore, that the existing State regulations are adequate.
Chris Cylke of the Association argues that:
“Today’s regulated sports wagering operators are contributing billions in State taxes across the U.S., protecting consumers from dangerous neighbourhood bookies and illegal offshore websites, and working diligently with over 5,000 State and tribal regulators to ensure a commitment to responsibility and positive play.”
It will be interesting to see, so to speak, how this circle of opposing opinions can be squared!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
