SAFE Bet Act
Sponsored By: Senator Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a federal framework tying lawful sports wagering to state‑approved programs with strict consumer protections and contest‑integrity rules. It would set national standards on licensing, data sharing, advertising, affordability, and tribal‑State coordination to govern interstate and in‑State sports betting.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.
Federal approval and big penalties for betting
If passed, it would be illegal to knowingly accept sports bets unless done under an approved State program or a State social gambling law. This would start 18 months after enactment. States that want sports betting would apply to the Attorney General, who would decide within 180 days; approvals would last 3 years. The Attorney General could ask a court to stop violations. Each illegal bet could face a civil penalty up to the greater of $10,000 or three times the bet amount.
Stronger protections and limits for bettors
If passed, you could make at most five deposits in 24 hours, and credit cards could not be used. Before taking over $1,000 in a day or $10,000 in 30 days, companies would need an affordability check; deposits must be no more than 30% of monthly income or meet a reasonable lender standard. Companies would have to show clear odds and bonus terms, let you cancel a proposed bet without a penalty, and keep enough money on hand to cover balances and wins. Certain uses of AI and microbets would be banned. A national and State self‑exclusion system would block bets from people who opt to restrict themselves.
Tougher limits on sports betting ads
If passed, ads would have to name the operator and show how to get help for gambling addiction. Ads could not target people under 21 or problem gamblers. Broad ads would be banned from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm local time and during live sports. Ads could not include odds boosts, “bonus” offers, or how‑to betting instructions.
National tracking of gambling addiction
If passed, the government would run a national survey on gambling harms within one year and every year after. The survey would use the Problem Gambling Severity Index and would not be industry‑funded. CDC would build a national surveillance system with privacy protections. The Surgeon General would report to Congress within one year.
Licensing checks and worker background rules
If passed, States would license operators only after background checks of the company and key leaders. Applicants could be denied for false statements, serious felonies, unpaid taxes, or ties to illegal internet gambling after October 13, 2006, and must certify compliance under penalty of perjury. Operators would also run criminal background checks every year on all employees and contractors and could not employ anyone convicted of a crime related to sports wagering.
State and Tribal control of online betting
If passed, States and Tribes could set stricter rules and taxes than this bill for sports betting. For online bets, a wager would count as made where the server is located. A wager on a server on Tribal lands would count as on Tribal lands only if the bettor is in the same State and a Tribal‑State compact allows it.
Approved data sources to settle bets
If passed, for bets taken on or before December 31, 2025, companies would have to use results data licensed by the sports league or its authorized partner. After that, States would approve sources that match speed and accuracy and are legally obtained, or use a league‑authorized source named in the State plan.
More records and reports by operators
If passed, companies would keep detailed records for each bet, including verified identity, time, place (including IP), and outcome, for at least 5 years. They would share anonymized data within 24 hours and report suspicious activity to regulators, sports leagues, and federal law enforcement. Some non‑account bets up to $10,000 could be excepted under strict conditions. Companies would have to protect customer data from unauthorized access.
Crackdown on offshore betting sites
If passed, States and betting companies would help federal officials act against unlicensed offshore betting sites. When the Attorney General flags a site, States and operators would issue cease‑and‑desist orders. This could reduce illegal options targeting U.S. customers.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov