NFL and NBA Express Concerns Over SAFE Bet Act’s Restrictions on Betting

The NFL and NBA have responded to the SAFE Bet Act, a new federal bill that aims to regulate sports betting. While the leagues value the bill’s intentions, they worry about some parts that limit advertising and ban live betting.

SAFE Bet Act Proposes Limits on Sports Betting Ads and Live Betting

Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the SAFE Bet Act last week. This bill wants to stop sportsbook ads during prime viewing hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and during live sports broadcasts. The bill would also make it illegal to bet on individual college athletes and limit in-game betting, which has grown more popular among bettors.

The NFL and NBA expect a long legislative process, with chances to make changes. The leagues have a problem with the proposed ban on ads, reported ESPN. Reports show sportsbooks have spent about $22.9 million on national TV ads during NFL games in the past two weeks. This makes them one of the top ad spenders. The leagues worry that limiting these ads could affect their income and how much viewers tune in.

Another worry is the suggested ban on live betting also called in-play wagering, which lets people bet during a game. League officials and sportsbook operators say live betting has become a key part of sports gambling and fear its removal might turn away many bettors.

NCAA Supports SAFE Bet Act’s Ban on Prop Bets for College Athletes

However, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), has backed the bill in terms of the parts that would stop prop bets on individual college athletes. Right now, 18 of the 38 states that allow legal sports betting already banned such bets. The NCAA has long pushed for national rules to protect the fairness of games and to teach younger people about the dangers of sports gambling.

The NBA keeps a close eye on the legislation, with Commissioner Adam Silver restating his backing for a federal framework at a recent board meeting. Silver, who has championed legal sports betting for almost ten years, claimed that the current mix of state rules makes oversight trickier and pushed for a uniform approach.

Sen. Blumenthal stressed that the SAFE Bet Act does not aim to outlaw gambling but instead to bring in protections that tackle the rising issue of gambling addiction. Lawmakers supporting the bill have raised alarm about the increasing number of problem gambling cases as betting has spread to more states. They think the federal government needs to step in to shield at-risk groups, and especially young people, from the possible harms of widespread gambling.