SAFE Bet Act of 2025 Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act of 2025
Impact
The bill will significantly impact existing states' laws governing sports betting by introducing uniform regulations that states must adhere to for their sports wagering programs to be approved. States will have to create a regulatory entity to oversee operations, implement affordability checks for bets exceeding certain amounts, and prohibit certain marketing practices that could exploit vulnerable individuals. Additionally, by adding consumer protections such as restrictions on gambling for certain individuals and mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions, the legislation seeks to safeguard individuals against gambling-related harms.
Summary
House Bill 2087, known as the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act of 2025, seeks to establish minimum federal standards for sports betting across the United States. This legislation aims to create a regulatory framework that enhances consumer protections while fostering a market that accommodates both existing operators and new entrants. It sets forth provisions regarding state sports wagering programs, mandates the creation of national self-exclusion lists for individuals wishing to restrict their gambling activity, and calls for annual surveys to assess the impact of online sports betting on public health and gambling disorders.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB2087 include concerns from some legislators and advocacy groups about the potential for overreach in federal regulations that may restrict states' rights to regulate gambling within their jurisdictions. Some stakeholders fear that despite good intentions, the federal framework may limit local regulations that address specific community issues related to gambling, such as varying levels of problem gambling in different areas. Another point of debate is the adequacy of consumer safeguards, specifically whether the affordability measures will effectively prevent gambling addiction or if they may unintentionally hinder responsible betting activities.