The introduction of the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act) in Congress last week has sparked mixed responses from major sports leagues, particularly the NFL and NBA. While people familiar with the leagues' positions told ESPN they appreciate certain protective measures in the bill, they have expressed concerns over advertising restrictions and the prohibition of live, in-game betting.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), aims to tackle some perceived challenges of sports betting in the U.S. as the industry continues to expand across 38 states and the District of Columbia.
The SAFE Bet Act includes several provisions that restrict sportsbook advertising from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and during live sports events. Additionally, it bans wagering on individual college athletes and eliminates in-game betting on both professional and college sports, two popular forms of betting.
While the NCAA has shown strong support for the provisions that protect college athletes, league sources from the NFL and NBA expect the bill to face a lengthy legislative process, with potential modifications along the way. “We’re concerned that there might be some unintended consequences on some of these provisions,” an NFL source told ESPN. "They're ripe for further discussion."
One major concern for the leagues is the potential impact of advertising restrictions on sportsbook revenues. According to data from iSpot.TV, sportsbooks spent $22.9 million on national TV ads during live NFL broadcasts over the past two weeks, with airtime ranking eighth among all industries.
This expenditure represents a significant source of revenue for both leagues and a blanket restriction could alter the financial dynamics of sports partnerships with betting companies.
In addition, the elimination of live betting, which allows fans to place wagers during the course of a game, has raised concerns among leagues and sportsbooks alike. Live betting has seen a surge in popularity, making it an area of potential growth in the sports betting landscape.
An NBA source emphasized the league’s recognition of the SAFE Bet Act’s potential, stating that it is "at the starting point to a very lengthy process." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has long advocated for a unified federal framework for sports betting, calling the current state-by-state regulations a “hodgepodge” that complicates oversight.
Major League Baseball and the NHL have not publicly commented on the bill. Meanwhile, the NCAA has reiterated its backing for a ban on prop bets related to individual college athletes, highlighting the importance of integrity in college sports.
An NCAA spokesperson told ESPN that they support national standards that protect competition integrity and educate young people about the dangers of sports betting. Lawmakers behind the bill have pointed to an increase in problem gambling hotline calls as a major driver for introducing these regulations.
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2024/09/20/79345-congressional-sports-betting-bill-reportedly-facing-mixed-reactions-from-nfl-nba