SAFE Bet Act Set for Reintroduction in US Congress
Originally introduced on 12 September, it is one of two federal sports betting proposals currently in circulation.
US Congressman Paul Tonko and Senator Richard Blumenthal will hold a press conference in Washington, DC, on Tuesday (11 March) to “reintroduce” the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act). Originally introduced on 12 September, it is one of two federal sports betting proposals currently in circulation.
Families affected by gambling addiction and representatives from the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University School of Law will also attend to discuss the bill’s public health implications. The proposal includes a national self-exclusion list and a surgeon general’s report on sports betting-related public health challenges. It would also allow the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to collect data on betting trends and outcomes.
Nationwide Sports Betting Restrictions
The SAFE Bet Act aims to establish a national framework for advertising and responsible gambling, including a “nationwide prohibition” on sports betting—despite the fact that it has been a state-level issue since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018.
Since then, 39 states have legalised sports betting, with 38 offering live markets. Missouri is set to launch its market by 1 December. The proposal, first outlined in March 2024, would require states to apply to the US attorney general for permission to offer sports betting, with applications valid for three years.
Some legal experts have questioned whether the bill is enforceable, given PASPA’s repeal.
Restrictions on Advertising and AI in Betting
The bill also proposes strict advertising controls, including a ban on certain words and restrictions on wagering ads on broadcast events between 8am and 10pm. Affordability checks would be introduced in specific cases, and AI-driven tracking of gamblers' habits would be prohibited.
Tuesday’s press conference marks the third attempt by Tonko and Blumenthal to advance the SAFE Bet Act. A new bill has yet to be filed. Meanwhile, the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act (GRIT Act) is also under discussion.
The GRIT Act would allocate a percentage of the federal excise tax on wagering to responsible gambling initiatives. The National Council on Problem Gambling supports this proposal, while Nevada Representative Dina Titus has filed legislation to repeal the excise tax.
