The SAFE Bet Act, which was originally introduced in September of last year, is once again on the table in Congress. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Paul Tonko have just announced that they are reintroducing the Act, and the proposal includes a national self-exclusion list as well as a surgeon general's report about the risks of sports betting on one's health.

A renewed effort is underway in Congress to establish a federal framework targeting key aspects of the sports betting industry. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Paul Tonko have announced a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, in Washington, DC, where they will reintroduce the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act).

The SAFE Bet Act was initially introduced on September 12 as a federal framework for online sports betting. It is one of only two sports betting proposals currently under discussion on Capitol Hill. Families impacted by gambling addiction, along with representatives from Northeastern University School of Law's Public Health Advocacy Institute, are expected to attend the press conference. They will address the legislation's potential impact, particularly its focus on sports betting as a public health concern.

Key provisions of the SAFE Bet Act

The proposed legislation aims to introduce nationwide measures to regulate sports betting. Among its key provisions are the establishment of a national self-exclusion list and a report from the US Surgeon General on the public health challenges related to sports betting. Additionally, it grants the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration the authority to collect data on the prevalence and outcomes of sports betting across the country.

In addition to public health measures, the SAFE Bet Act proposes a national regulatory framework for responsible gambling practices and sports betting advertising. However, the bill is also calling for a 'nationwide prohibition' on sports betting, despite it being a state-regulated industry since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May of 2018. Since that ruling, 39 states have legalized sports betting, with 38 offering live markets. Missouri is set to introduce sports betting by December 1.

The SAFE Bet Act initially surfaced in March of 2024, with its outline suggesting that states would need federal approval to offer legal sports betting. States wishing to introduce or continue sports betting operations would be required to submit an application to the US Attorney General, demonstrating compliance with specified requirements. These applications would have a three-year validity. Notably, the proposal does not mention any application fees. However, some sources have questioned the legality of such a framework, given PASPA's overturning.

Tighter restrictions on advertising and AI

The legislation also proposes stringent advertising regulations aimed at reducing the exposure of sports betting promotions to vulnerable populations. Under the act, sports betting advertisements on broadcast events would be prohibited between 8 am and 10 pm. Additionally, specific words and marketing tactics would be banned to prevent misleading or aggressive promotional strategies.

The proposal also includes measures to curb excessive gambling expenditures and restrict the use of artificial intelligence in tracking players' habits. The inclusion of AI-related restrictions demonstrates growing concerns about technology-driven gambling behaviors and responsible gaming safeguards.

Other legislative efforts on sports betting

The upcoming press conference marks the third attempt by Blumenthal and Tonko to push the SAFE Bet Act forward. While a new bill has not yet been formally introduced, the act remains a focal point in the broader discussion surrounding federal sports betting regulations.

In addition to the SAFE Bet Act, another proposal, the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act (the GRIT Act), has been circulating in Washington. Unlike the SAFE Bet Act, which imposes regulatory measures, the GRIT Act aims to allocate a portion of the federal excise tax on wagering to fund problem gambling initiatives and responsible gambling programs. The National Council on Problem Gambling has expressed its support for the GRIT Act, while Nevada Representative Dina Titus has introduced legislation seeking to repeal the excise tax altogether.