Congress Faces Urgent Calls for Federal Regulation Amidst Rising Gambling Addiction Crisis in the U.S.
A burgeoning public health crisis has emerged as a result of the rapid expansion of legal sports betting in the United States, lawmakers on Capitol Hill were warned this week. With evidence of rising addiction levels and increasing harassment incidents linked to the sport’s gambling boom, there are growing calls for regulatory reform at the federal level.
Since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in 2018, which struck down a long-standing federal ban on sports betting, the practice has become legal in 38 states. This dramatic shift has led to a significant uptick in participation among Americans, particularly among the youth demographic. Campaigners and clinicians have voiced concerns over the escalating rate of gambling addiction, with athletes and sports officials also reporting heightened incidents of harassment related to betting.
Legislative Hearings on Gambling’s Impact
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, several senators expressed a willingness to consider federal oversight of the burgeoning industry. Harry Levant, a gambling addiction counselor and director of gambling policy at the Northeastern University School of Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, underscored the urgency of the situation. While Levant supports properly regulated sports gambling, he criticized the current landscape, detailing how a complex network of betting firms, including sports teams and media companies, is promoting gambling accessibility at an alarming rate.
“This new and AI-fueled business model will inexorably result in increased gambling addiction and gambling-related harm,” Levant remarked, emphasizing the potential dangers of unchecked growth in the industry.
Rising Concerns from Sport Leaders
Former NFL player Johnson Bademosi, who also testified at the hearing, highlighted the detrimental impact of gambling addiction, describing it as a serious disease capable of wreaking havoc not only on those who gamble but also on their families and communities. He urged for enhanced resources and support to aid those struggling with gambling addiction.
Charlie Baker, the former governor of Massachusetts and current president of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), addressed the pressing need for more comprehensive oversight regarding gambling on college campuses. He warned that this pervasive sports betting environment poses significant risks to both students and the integrity of college sports.
Disparities in Addiction Treatment Funding
The testimony during the hearing also shed light on the disparities in funding for problem gambling services compared to substance use disorder treatments. According to Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), many states have failed to invest in adequate programs for problem gambling despite the soaring revenues generated from legal gambling. As noted in his written testimony, the investment in problem gambling services is alarmingly minimal: “For every dollar states have generated from commercial gambling, .0009 cents were invested in problem gambling services.”
Growing Bipartisan Support for Regulation
There appears to be a rising bipartisan consensus among lawmakers regarding the necessity for federal regulation. Senator Dick Durbin, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, emphasized that Congress must investigate the impact of sports betting on American society and determine appropriate regulatory frameworks. Similarly, Republican senator Thom Tillis indicated openness to a federal commission to establish regulatory standards, urging that “too many states are getting it wrong.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal is currently championing two legislative proposals—the SafeBet Act and the Grit Act—aimed at addressing concerns surrounding gambling addiction and advocating for public health interests.
Industry Response and Concerns About Oversight
In response to the Senate’s discussions on potential federal oversight, the gambling industry has expressed resistance. The American Gaming Association (AGA), a leading lobbying group for the gambling sector, criticized the hearing for excluding industry perspectives and perpetuating “common myths.” The AGA maintained that the prevalence of problem gambling has remained relatively stable, despite the industry’s expansion, citing specific studies as evidence.
However, experts caution that the industry’s arguments against federal regulation are insufficient. “The industry needs better arguments against federal oversight than what it offers,” said Steve Ruddock, a gambling sector analyst. Concerns also loom over the possibility that federal intervention could lead to overly restrictive regulations akin to those applied to hazardous substances like tobacco.
Conclusion
As the debate unfolds, it is clear that the intersection of sports betting and public health requires urgent attention. Lawmakers, academics, and advocacy groups are rallying for a more significant focus on gambling addiction and its societal implications as they navigate the complexities of this industry, striving for a balance between economic interests and public health protection.