Sen. Dick Durbin Leads One-Sided SAFE Bet Hearing on Sports Betting Oversight
On December 17, 2024, the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Dick Durbin, held a hearing to discuss federal oversight of the legal sports betting landscape. The hearing, titled “America’s High-Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling,” focused on the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act) proposed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Paul Tonko.
One-Sided Testimony
The Judiciary Committee invited five witnesses, including NCAA President Charlie Baker, Keith Whyte from the National Council on Problem Gambling, former NFL player Johnson Bademosi, and gambling counselor Harry Levant. These guests largely supported federal regulations on sports betting, emphasizing the risks associated with player props, increased harm from sports betting, and the dehumanization of players.
Notably absent from the witness list were representatives from the sports betting industry, including the American Gaming Association (AGA). The AGA, a key player in shaping state laws and regulations on gambling, was excluded from testifying during the hearing, leaving the proceedings one-sided and lacking industry perspective.
AGA’s Response
Joe Maloney, the AGA Senior VP of Strategic Communications, expressed disappointment over the exclusion of industry witnesses, highlighting the importance of legal gaming in protecting consumers from the illegal market. The AGA opposes the SAFE Bet Act, arguing that it undermines state efforts to provide a safe and regulated sports betting environment with consumer safeguards and responsible gaming protections.
Despite the absence of industry voices, the Senate Judiciary Committee proceeded with testimonies that favored federal oversight of sports betting, raising concerns about the impact of unregulated gambling on society.
In conclusion, the one-sided nature of the SAFE Bet hearing underscores the need for a balanced discussion that includes industry representatives to ensure comprehensive decision-making on federal sports betting regulations. The exclusion of key stakeholders like the AGA raises questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the legislative process.
