Blumenthal and Tonko Back Federal Legislation to Address Gambling Addiction Risks
Blumenthal and Tonko joined the PHAI to launch a gambling reform campaign citing a mental health crisis. They back the SAFE Bet Act for affordability checks on sportsbooks and a bill shifting prediction market oversight to states from the CFTC. Gaming groups oppose federal moves, preferring state regulation.
SCCG Take — The effort could impose nationwide standards on operators already compliant with varied state rules, sharpening focus on affordability enforcement and market classification disputes.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are calling for federal intervention to protect consumers as sports betting and prediction markets expand. The lawmakers joined the Public Health Advocacy Institute at an event in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, to launch the campaign “Truth and Integrity: The Movement for Gambling Reform.” The effort includes support from Families and Friends of Gamblers.
Dr. Harry Levant directs the PHAI’s gambling policy. In 2015, Levant admitted to stealing nearly $2 million from clients to fund his gambling habit before surrendering his law license and refocusing on addiction support. Levant believes the PHAI can rally bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress for gambling regulatory reform.
“There is overwhelming evidence that we are in the midst of a mental health and public health crisis related to gambling addiction,” said Levant. “This movement is just the beginning. It is a cry from the nation that we’ve had enough.”
Proposed Legislation
Blumenthal and Tonko are promoting the Supporting Affordability and Fairness With Every Bet Act. The SAFE Bet Act would set federal guardrails on state-licensed sportsbooks, including deposit and bet limits plus regular affordability checks on customers.
The Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act would mandate consumer protections for online prediction markets and shift their regulation from the CFTC to the states. Blumenthal said: “We know that the gambling industry, which includes not only DraftKings and FanDuel but also the prediction markets, is exploiting problem gambling. They are relentlessly and tirelessly taking advantage of vulnerability to make more money.”
Tonko said: “It is important for us to take a known addictive product and make that product a safer product. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.” He declared: “Together, we’re going to make this happen. We have to.”
Industry Opposition
The American Gaming Association holds that state regulators are best fit to regulate gambling. It states that states already maintain comprehensive consumer protections and problem gambling programs.
The prediction market industry opposes the new act. It defends its position that these platforms function as financial investing mechanisms rather than gambling products.
This initiative highlights the core tension between federal consumer safeguards and existing state frameworks. Operators face the prospect of adapting to new uniform requirements if the bills advance, per reporting by Casino.org News.
Reporting: Casino.org News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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