The Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act) will be introduced by US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Paul Tonko at a press conference on March 11 in Washington, D.C. The goal of the concept, which was first put forth on September 12, is to establish a legal framework for internet sports betting. Congress is now considering two federal sports betting laws, including this one.
Participants will also include families affected by gambling addiction and experts from the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University School of Law. According to a press release, they will discuss the impact of the measure and highlight how it tackles sports betting concerns from a public health standpoint.
If passed, the SAFE Bet Act would create a nationwide self-exclusion list and require a surgeon general’s report on sports betting’s public health risks. It also mandates data collection by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to analyze betting trends and their consequences.
Federal Oversight and Advertising Restrictions
The proposal extends beyond responsible gambling measures. It introduces a national set of advertising guidelines and responsible betting rules. It also proposes a controversial “nationwide prohibition” on sports betting, despite it being regulated at the state level since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018.
Currently, 39 states have legalized sports betting, with 38 offering live markets. Missouri plans to launch its operations by December 1.
The SAFE Bet Act, first outlined in March 2024, would require states to seek federal approval before offering sports betting. States must apply to the US Attorney General and prove compliance with specific requirements. Applications would be valid for three years, though no filing fees are mentioned in the draft proposal.
Additionally, the bill introduces strict advertising rules, including a ban on certain language and restrictions on gambling ads between 8 AM and 10 PM during broadcast events. It also seeks to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence for tracking gamblers’ behaviors.
This news conference by Tonko and Blumenthal is the third attempt to advance the SAFE Bet Act. There isn’t yet a new bill officially filed. In the meantime, Washington has been paying more attention to another proposal, the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act.
A part of the federal wagering excise tax would be allocated to problem gambling initiatives under the GRIT Act. This proposal has been approved by the National Council on Problem Gambling. In contrast, Nevada Representative Dina Titus has introduced legislation to repeal the excise tax entirely.
The post Lawmakers to Reintroduce SAFE Bet Act in Washington Press Conference appeared first on iGaming.org.