SAFE Bet Hearing Raises Concerns as Sports Betting Industry Excluded from Senate Discussion
Tuesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on federal oversight of sports betting notably excluded key industry representatives, raising concerns about the balanced evaluation of proposed regulations.
The hearing, focused on the SAFE Bet Act, featured five witnesses who largely supported federal intervention, but excluded sportsbook operators, state lawmakers, gaming regulators, and the American Gaming Association (AGA).
Man speaking at casino table
Key aspects of the proposed SAFE Bet Act include:
- Ban on TV sports gambling ads between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Mandatory affordability checks for high-volume bettors
- Daily deposit limits
- Credit card betting prohibition
- Restrictions on AI-driven promotions
- Ban on "risk-free" advertising language
Witness testimonies included:
- NCAA President Charlie Baker addressing player prop betting risks
- Keith Whyte of the National Council on Problem Gambling citing increased harm
- Former NFL player Johnson Bademosi discussing player dehumanization
- Harry Levant, gambling counselor, describing the industry as a "public health crisis"
The AGA, which typically assists states with gambling legislation and regulation, expressed concern over their exclusion. Joe Maloney, AGA's Senior VP of Strategic Communications, emphasized that the absence of industry testimony leaves out crucial perspectives on consumer protection and responsible gaming measures.
The AGA opposes the SAFE Bet Act, viewing it as excessive federal intervention that undermines existing state regulatory frameworks and industry-led consumer protection initiatives.
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