Federal Bill Would Ban College Prop Bets Across the US
A new federal bill has been introduced that would prohibit proposition bets on college athletes across the US. If passed, it would override any state prop bet legislation.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The legislation, known as the "Providing Responsible Oversight and Transparency and Ensuring Collegiate Trust for Student Athletes Act," or the PROTECT Act, was introduced on February 25 by Michael Baumgartner, a first-term congressman. Baumgartner, who also chairs the College Sports Caucus, is advocating for the bill as a measure to protect student-athletes from harassment and maintain the integrity of college sports.
Related: College Prop Bets Closer to Being Blocked in New JerseyBaumgartner emphasized the importance of safeguarding student-athletes, noting that they commit significant time and effort to both their education and their sport. He stated that while the bill does not prohibit betting on the overall outcome of college sports games, it specifically addresses wagers on individual athlete performances.
He also highlighted a concerning trend of increased harassment targeting college athletes and a growing number of incidents where players have been pressured into manipulating game results for financial gain.
More Regulation News
Prop Bets on the Legislative Radar
The PROTECT Act differs from the SAFE Bet Act, a separate piece of legislation backed by Rep. Paul Tonko and Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The SAFE Bet Act takes a broader approach, aiming to prohibit all prop betting, not just in college athletics but across all sports. Baumgartner's bill, in contrast, narrows its focus solely to college sports, addressing what he describes as the most pressing issue related to the gambling industry's impact on student-athletes.
Enforcement of the PROTECT Act would fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission. The legislation designates violations of the proposed ban as unjust business practices, allowing the commission to regulate compliance. By targeting individual performance bets, the bill aims to reduce instances of harassment and external pressure on college athletes while reinforcing the integrity of sports at the college level.
The introduction of the bill comes at a time when discussions about the relationship between college athletics and betting have intensified. With sports betting becoming more accessible, concerns have grown regarding the potential negative effects on student-athletes. The issue has gained further attention due to reports of athletes being targeted by gamblers, either through online harassment or direct attempts to influence game results.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Most Read
Illegal Casinos on the Rise in Australia amid Increased Regulatory Restrictions
Mar 18, 2025Must Read
Interviews
Sweepstakes Casinos: Thriving in an Ever-Changing Industry – Interview with Attorney Stephen C. Piepgrass
Feb 17, 2025
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Federal Bill Would Ban College Prop Bets Across the US