In December 2024, the Senate Judiciary Committee gathered to evaluate the effects of legalized sports betting in the U.S. The gathering included sports officials, public health advocates, and lawmakers.
Benefits and challenges of legalized sports betting
Online sports betting in the US brought in over $30 billion in the third quarter of 2024. However, the potential economic benefits of legalizing sports betting come with some challenges. These include gambling addiction, the integrity of sports, and the harassment of athletes. Various testimonies at the hearing illustrated the rise of sports betting threats. A point of discussion was the SAFE Bet Act which would give the federal government more control over sports betting regulations.
NCAA President highlights college sport risks and issues
President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Charlie Baker, reported on harassment of college athletes by bettors. Division I athletes have been harassed after perceived mistakes. Prop bets on the performance of specific athletes encourage this. Various states are currently considering eliminating prop bets in college sports.
Baker called for stronger federal efforts against unregulated operators. They pose risks to consumers and undermine the integrity of games. The NCAA partners with research institutions to come up with evidence-based strategies to reduce the risks associated with gambling.
The mental health and safety of athletes
The starting of a new business always involves balancing growth with responsibility. The same applies in the field of legal sports gambling. One area that needs addressing is the targeting of athletes by bettors on social media platforms. The psychological impact of constant scrutiny can severely affect their mental health.
Johnson Bademosi, a former NFL player, proposed prohibiting negative bets. He also said that the biometric data of athletes must be safeguarded to ensure their privacy and prevent abuse. Athletes at college and professional levels need protection.
Gambling addiction
The problem of gambling addiction is escalating in the U.S. The combination of advances in technology and aggressive advertising is creating a public health crisis. This is the opinion of Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
Whyte supports the GRID Act, a proposed measure to allocate federal funding for gambling addiction prevention and treatment programs. Whyte also supports the SAFE Bet Act and believes gambling addiction must be seen through a public health lens. A comprehensive approach is necessary to mitigate its long-term impact.
State level regulation
Gambling on sports in the U.S. is currently legal in 38 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Mobile sports betting is currently legal in 30 states. Nearly every state legislature has introduced a sports betting legislation bill at some time since 2018.
New Jersey was the second U.S. state to legalize sports betting. It shows how successful state-led regulation can be. New Jersey emphasizes the importance of consumer protection and has close oversight over gambling operators to ensure the fairness of games and transparency.
Gambling status in 2025 could change in other states. Those wanting additional sources of tax revenue and to establish responsible gambling practices continue to look into legalizing sports betting.
A balance between economic opportunities and social responsibility
AI tools are allowing operators to create real-time, more targeted betting opportunities. This benefits sports bettors but the ability to engage constantly can exacerbate compulsive gambling behavior.
Many senators feel there is a need for comprehensive federal oversight. This would complement rather than replace existing state frameworks. It would protect athletes and address addiction as a public health crisis. It is possible to find solutions that would strike a balance between economic opportunities and social responsibility.
