The United States Senate Judiciary Committee’s recent hearing on federal oversight of legal sports betting notably excluded voices from the industry itself, raising questions about the balance of perspectives presented.

On Tuesday, under the leadership of Presiding Chair Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the committee held a session titled, “America’s High-Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling.” The hearing, centered on the proposed SAFE Bet Act (Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act), featured testimony from five witnesses—but none from sportsbook operators, gaming regulators, or other industry representatives.

The SAFE Bet Act: Key Provisions

Introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), the SAFE Bet Act proposes sweeping federal regulations for states with legalized sports betting. Among its key provisions:

• A ban on TV sports betting advertisements from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Mandatory affordability checks for high-volume bettors and large wagers.
• Daily deposit limits and a prohibition on credit card use.
• Restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence for personalized incentives and promotions.
• A ban on advertising language such as “risk-free.”

If enacted, the bill could dramatically reshape the operational landscape for sportsbooks nationwide.

Absent Industry Voices

Despite the SAFE Bet Act’s potential impact, the committee did not invite representatives from sportsbooks, state legislators who designed sports betting laws, or the American Gaming Association (AGA), the leading trade group for the industry. Instead, testimony overwhelmingly supported federal intervention.

Witnesses included:

• Charlie Baker, NCAA President, who warned of risks tied to player prop bets.
• Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, who called for federal action to mitigate what he described as “increased harm on a national scale.”
• Johnson Bademosi, former NFL player, who highlighted concerns over the “dehumanization of players” in a sports betting culture.
• Harry Levant, a gambling counselor and advocate, who described the current sports betting environment as a “public health crisis.”

The AGA Responds

The exclusion of the AGA and other industry voices drew criticism. Joe Maloney, AGA’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications, emphasized the importance of including the industry perspective.

The AGA opposes the SAFE Bet Act, labeling it a “heavy-handed” approach that undermines the success of state-regulated frameworks, which prioritize consumer protections and responsible gaming.

Missed Opportunity for Balanced Debate

As federal and state stakeholders navigate the evolving landscape of legalized sports betting, the absence of key industry perspectives could hinder efforts to craft comprehensive, balanced policies.

Explore the best online betting site Singapore with Octabet betting news. Start winning today! Register now!